The Last Flight of 64-0533

This once proud Herk seems to have flown its last.  It was one amongst many C-130E's which had been found to have extensive corrosion in their center wing boxes, leading to their grounding and relegation to the "Bone Yard."  This aircraft was snatched from that ignominious end and granted a "one time flight waiver" (with intermediate stops authorized) to get it painted and ferried to its final resting place, Elmendorf AFB, where it will be put on display for the enjoyment of generations to come. 

And why did I get the call to fly it to Alaska?  It basically came down to me being a crusty old guy who was fortunate enough to be current flying "E" models (our squadron flies a different model), who was willing to go.  I thought it would be nice to be able to point at it somewhere in the future and say, "I was the last guy to fly that airplane."  I also think the unit was throwing me a bone since I'm getting ready to retire and have been up here for so long.  Whatever the reason, the plane flew like a champ and it was an enjoyable trip.

0533 at McChord.jpg (70291 bytes)

0533 Identi-plate.jpg (93121 bytes)

 0533 Alaska or Bust.jpg (53099 bytes)

On the ground at McChord AFB, preparing for the last leg home

A shot of the identification plate found in the cockpit

 We got no offers, so we had to go home
0533 with cast and crew.jpg (81531 bytes)

0533 Flight deck signatures.jpg (99401 bytes)

 0533 at Elmendorf.jpg (73227 bytes)

The maintainers and crew that made it happen

Though no one will see it once it's on display, we felt obligated to leave our mark

Safely at rest at Elmendorf, soon to be gutted and moved to the air park
Ski's hose down.jpg (105884 bytes) As an aside, it was also the final flight for the loadmaster, SMSgt Mike Skalisky, so in keeping with tradition, he was doused with champagne, beer, and of course, water.