USMC KC-130J completed circumnavigation of the world during a two-week mission

The primary mission of this KC-130J, assigned to VMGR-352, was to deliver equipment and Marines to Camp Lemonnier in support of CJTF-HOA. The mission also confirmed the versatility of the KC-130J Super Hercules in long-range logistics and refueling of both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.

KC-130J Super Hercules from VMGR-352 (352nd Airlift Refueling Squadron) “Raiders” circumnavigated the world in 14 days in early to mid September 2024, hopping between “11 strategic stops” through Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific region. The trip began and ended at the KC-130 base at MCAS (Marine Corps Air Station) Miramar, California.

As part of MAG 11 (11th Marine Aviation Group), 3rd MAW (Naval Aviation Wing), VMGR-352’s primary mission was to “deliver equipment and Marines to 3 MAW Squadrons at Camp Lemonnier” in Djibouti in support of the CJTF- HOA. (Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa).

The INDOPAC region had the largest number of stops, including Diego Gacia, Wake Island, Guam and Singapore, as well as Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, part of CTF-HOA (Combined Task Force Horn of Africa). The return leg to Miramar included stops in Qatar, Greece, England and Maine.

Since May 2024, Camp Lemonnier has hosted VMGR-352, providing aerial refueling, combat airlift, and airdrop capabilities to CJTF-HOA and other partners in the region.

Meaning

The mission allowed 10 pilots and crews to improve their skills and hone their navigation and logistics skills over long distances and in a variety of conditions, the statement said. This will help them gain important qualifications for future assignments and career advancement.

The circumnavigation also confirmed the KC-130J Super Hercules’ versatility in long-range logistics and refueling for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, with a range of 3,500 nautical miles (6,582 km) and a fuel load-out capacity of 57,000 lb (25,854 kg). using internal and external fuel tanks. The KC-130J can carry up to 92 troops at a time and also serve as a flying refueling station and cargo.

This capability “made it ideal for delivering Marines and equipment to Camp Lemonnier.” In other words, the KC-130J Super Hercules is a “multi-role” platform capable of tactical transport, air delivery and aerial refueling that can perform a variety of missions around the world. Another significant mission for VMGR-352 occurred in February 2022 when it refueled Mirage 2000 aircraft again flying from MCAS Miramar to Camp Lemonnier in support of CJTF-HOA.

Travel and stops

Photos published by DVIDS (Defense Visual Information and Distribution Service) show the KC-130J undergoing inspection at MCAS Miramar on September 4, 2024, and later that day landing at MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. The aircraft (Modex 277) has two external fuel tanks for long-haul flights, as well as two in-flight refueling modules.

Another photo taken on September 5 shows the plane on Wake Island, where it refueled after taking off from Hawaii. It then reached Guam on 7 September, followed by another stop in Singapore. The KC-130J took off from the country’s Changi International Airport on September 9 and was photographed at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti on September 11, where it remained for the next several days.

The photo shows a KC-130 being refueled on a service truck at Camp Lemonnier. On September 13, the aircraft was photographed next to another KC-130J, also from VMGR-352, transferred to the base. As mentioned earlier, Detachment VMGR-352 has been stationed at Camp Lemonnier since May 2024.

The statement said the long-range mission delivered “essential personnel, supplies and equipment for the 3rd MAW Squadron stationed there.” These squadrons also include VMM-164 (Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron-164 Reinforced) “Knightriders”, flying MV-22B Osprey aircraft. In fact, photographs from 9/11 show mechanics on a USMC Osprey airframe performing routine maintenance on an MV-22B assigned to a unit at Camp Lemonnier.

Subsequent statements by VMGR-352 leaders also referred to “bulky spare parts” for the CJTF-HOA. It was interesting to see that in Guam, Singapore and Camp Lemonnier the KC-130J had the US Marine Corps flag attached to a pole and flying above the cockpit.

On September 14, the aircraft was photographed at Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base, where VMGR-352 commander Lt. Col. Mark Brock was conducting a pre-flight inspection of the KC-130J’s exterior. The aircraft then returned to MCAS Miramar on September 18, with the photo caption describing the mission as “flying around the globe.”

USMC Role in Strategic Logistics and Support

The latest “focused mission” and “training opportunity” highlighted the vital role of US Marine Corps aviation in supporting US operations through “global deployment readiness… across multiple theaters of operations.” VMGR-352 commander Lt. Col. Mark Bock said the KC-130J extends “3 MAW’s operational range” and “demonstrates the readiness and proficiency of the Marines who maintain and fly our aircraft.”

OIC (Acting Officer) of Detachment KC-130J at Camp Lemonnier, Maj. Nathan Fluker, pointed out that the 3rd MAW’s “unique” capabilities have “played a vital role in responding to crises as well as supporting partner nations” since The CJTF-HOA is composed of various joint force units. “Otherwise, shipping bulky parts would take weeks,” Fluker added.

The stops were both “logistically necessary” to provide “refueling and resupply needed to cover vast distances” and “strategically effective, demonstrating the Marine Corps’ ability to operate seamlessly across continents and strengthen relationships with partner nations.” . “Different stops require us to comply with different national rules and regulations and build relationships,” Bock added.