Navy C-130Ts
 

Saw an article recently about VR-62 down in Jax getting some "new" C-130Ts from the marines as they transition to the J. Anyone have any insight on to how this going to affect other Navy C130 squadrons and how many planes will be picked up total?

VR-62 ?Nomads? | members.jacksonville.com

So the VR world is going to be C-130s and C-40s. A gigantic step back in time from when we transitioned it from C-118s to C-9s.

Of course, you can make an economic argument for the C-130, especially if they're getting them used.

The wing received 5 stretch Hercs. One squadron has them. The remaining we're distributed out. Basically, each squadron is plus 1.

When electronic prop and electronic display mods are complete, I expect more tasking. In general, NALO turns down a significant portion of requests due to availability.

They get the job done, and can directly support expeditionary forces if the navy ever had reason to do so.

Anyone out there that is in VR-62 at the moment? Or any of the other VR squadrons for that matter?

NALO turns down requests because the entire U.S. military doesn't have the assets to provide organic airlift. That's why there are ACMI carriers AND the CRAF program.

Ah, NALO. Just the thought of those guys brings back memories...not all of them good.

How hard is it to get a FE slot in one of these units? I've got an ATP with about 2,500 hours, mostly King Airs, but haven't flown in a few years. Currently in the Marine Reserves as an infantryman. The wars are over and I'm tired of being a grunt and looking to find some good libo and live on easy street for the next 10 years or so. Thanks in advance!!

Pretty tough unless you have previous military F/E or loadmaster experience. All the VR squadrons I was with preferred to "grow their own." They tended to come up through the ranks...F/A to LM to F/E. A lot of consideration goes to the rating of the Petty Officer involved. An AE, AD or AM had a lot more chance of making it than a YN or an SK.

That said, we did have a YN1 loadmaster in one of my squadrons.

I don't know what any of those letters mean so I guess that means it's a long shot. I'm gonna go talk to them anyway. The worse they can do is say no. Maybe my flying experience will help out. Thanks for the reply!

AE - Aviation Electrician
AD - Aviation Engine Mechanic
AM - Aviation Sheet Metal Mechanic
YN - Yeoman (Administrative person)
SK - Storekeeper (AK if its an aviation storekeeper)

The bottom line is to be a VR F/E its preferable to be some kind of aviation maintenance person. As I said, there are cases where an office person gets in the position, but they're few and far between.

You're best bet is to get attached to the squadron then work your way up from Flight Attendant to Loadmaster to Flight Engineer. The Loadmaster job is perhaps the most critical job on VR airplanes. The Loadmaster is also usually the "A" F/A.