Colonel Steven Puckett was relieved by Colonel Doug Lee as program manager for Tactical Airlift Program Office (PMA-207) in a traditional Change of Command ceremony on May 28. The Change of Command custom is rich in Naval tradition symbolizing passing the responsibility of command from one officer to another reflects the dedication of free men and women serving their nation proudly.

The annual Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Commanders Awards were held August 13 at NAS Patuxent River. During the event, three program executive office (PEO) air, anti-submarine warfare, assault, and special mission (A) program offices (PMA) were among the eight winners.

The event was presided over by Rear Adm. Todd Evans, NAWCAD Commander.

The ever-enduring C-130 Hercules celebrated 70 years of unwavering service last year. Since its inception in 1954, the Hercules continues to be used in over 70 countries with more than a million flight hours and growing.

Seven decades ago, the C-130 had an original usage as a medium cargo plane able to land in short, confined runways. As the mission and needs of the fleet changed, the aircraft moved into providing tactical airlift, humanitarian aid, air support, and various mission support across the globe.

U.S. Marines flying a CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter transported an F-35C Lightning II airframe from the F-35 Integrated Test Force at Patuxent River (Pax ITF) to a Navy unit located at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, April 24.

Tactical Airlift Program Office (PMA-207) delivered the first of two C-40A aircraft to Marine Transport Squadron (VMR) 1, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 41, in Fort Worth, Texas, May 19.

"Delivery of this aircraft meets a critical Marine Corps requirement for organic long-range logistical airlift capability,” said Col Steve Puckett, PMA-207 program manager.  “These aircraft have been specially equipped for agile tasking and can be reconfigured on the spot to carry Marines, cargo, or a combination of both." 

A Navy C-26D aircraft made a 2,241 mile, eight-stop, eight-day, eight-country trek. The aircraft flew from Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, Italy to a repair depot in New Braunfels, Texas landing on May 16.

While not an epic trek across time and space, the flight of the C-26 Metroliner was an example of Tactical Airlift Program Office (PMA-207) Fixed Wing/Operational Support Aircraft (VR/OSA) utility lift team’s dedication to serving the fleet.

The Tactical Airlift Program Office (PMA-207) coordinated the donation and delivery of a full-sized C-130 training cockpit to the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum.

The Tactical Airlift Program Office (PMA-207) KC-130J integrated product team successfully completed full operational capability.  The 10^th and final aircraft modified to the Harvest Hercules Airborne Weapons Kit (HAWK) Plus (HH+) configuration was delivered to the Fleet Marine Forces, Aug. 26.

The U.S. Marine Corps received its 60th KC-130J aircraft in March; the aircraft includes improved navigational performance, a modernized cockpit, and other key upgrades.

The Tactical Airlift Program Office (PMA-207) accepted delivery of the aircraft outfitted with the Block 8.1 updated cockpit and AN/AAQ-24 DoN Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (DoN LAIRCM). These upgrades address obsolescence issues and improve survivability.

The U.S. Navy delivered a C-130J aircraft to the Blue Angels Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron (NFDS) this month completing the squadron’s logistics transport aircraft transition from a legacy C-130T to a C-130J.