U.S. Marines Over Mobile Bay

A C-130J Super Hercules operated by the U.S. Marines flies along the eastern shore of Mobile Bay JAN 30th 2026. Built by Lockheed Martin, the four engine turboprop aircraft is considered by the military to be a proven workhorse, given its multitude of mission capabilities. Airdrops, special operations, medevac, aerial refueling and search and rescue are among uses the aircraft is well suited to handle. With a range of over 2,000 miles, the C-130J is an update of Lockheed’s earlier C-130 Hercules and has more powerful engines, a digital cockpit and other upgrades. While earlier versions of the C-130 need a crew of five, the C-130J can operate with three (two pilots and a loadmaster). Another variant of the aircraft–the AC-130 gunship–has a reputation for being the deadliest aircraft in the world. With its massive weapons capability including side-firing canons and howitzer, the gunship is nicknamed ‘the angel of death.’ Costs for the C-130 generation of aircraft vary widely, depending on configuration, upgrades and quantity purchased. Early versions are believed to have cost around $30 million, while the current AC-130J Gunship with armament is believed to cost roughly $165 million.

Photo shot from Fairhope, less than one mile from the aircraft…