Six C-130 Hercules fly over Metro Atlanta during drill weekend

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Daniel Phelps
  • 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Those around the metro Atlanta area were treated to a unique view as six-ship C-130 formation from Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia took to this skies for a training exercise July 9.

The aircraft took off here at 10:30 a.m. and flew south toward the downtown area before turning north tracking the Interstate 75 corridor until reaching the Lake Acworth area and returned, landing at Dobbins ARB in the early afternoon.

“For efficiency, we normally fly one or two planes together at once; however, there is value in exerting maximum effort to fully tax the operations and maintenance crews,” explained Lt. Col. Thomas Moffatt, 700th Airlift Squadron director of operations, about the flight.

Reports came in from across the metro of residents watching the formation and expressing their admiration and gratitude.

“My dad used to take me to the runway on U.S. Highway 41 many years ago to just sit and watch the planes,” said Chris MacCullen, Cobb County resident. “There is something just so beautiful about seeing the C-130 flying over your head.”

Many enjoy watching the single aircrafts fly, so six overhead was an added bonus.

“Great seeing one on a given day, but six, what an amazing site to see,” exclaimed Laura Sechi, Atlanta metro resident.

The flight may have even inspired future Airmen.

“”We caught a few photos when you flew over Mairetta,” said Shannon Heiling, Cobb County resident. “My 20-month-old was pretty excited.”
Some area residents missed the opportunity and hope to see it happen again.

“Fly again tonight, please,” said Andrea Oelberg. “Those of us who work days didn’t get to see the flight.”

Moffat highlighted the community tie to this special event.

“The flight crews were comprised of Citizen Airmen,” he said. ”They’re your friends and neighbors who live and work here in the community while also serving the country as Air Force traditional reservists.”