On May 04, 2018 aircraft from the 36th Airlift Squadron and 459th Airlift Squadron at Yokota Airbase in Japan took part in a Airlift Wing Generation Wing, which is more commonly known as an "Elephant Walk". In total twelve C-130J-30s, three C-12Js and two UH-1Ns took part in the exercise.
Twelve C-130J Super Hercules aircraft with the 36th Airlift Squadron sit on the flight line for pre-flight inspections prior to starting the 374th Airlift Wing Generation Exercise Elephant Walk at Yokota Air Base (AB), Japan, May 4, 2018. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. David Owsianka)
“We used the Elephant Walk, a large-scale generation exercise, as a way to test our capabilities to ensure we are ready to provide any kind of assistance to any location throughout our area of responsibility if needed,” said Maj. Johnathan Slottje, 36th Airlift Squadron pilot. “It was an amazing event, especially since the maintainers ensured our final two Super Hercules were ready to go within a week of arriving.”
(U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
(U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
This was the first time the 374th Airlift Wing had produced an "elephant walk" since the arrival of their C-130J-30s which have replaced C-130Hs in the last couple of years.
Ten C-130J Super Hercules fly in formation over the Kanto Plains, Japan, during a formation flight after completing the 374th Airlift Wing Generation Exercise Elephant Walk at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 4, 2018. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew Gilmore)
Three C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron fly in formation during the 374th Airlift Wing Generation Exercise, May 4, 2018, over the Kanto Plains, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juan Torres)
(U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
(U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
(U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew Gilmore)
(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. David Owsianka)
(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juan Torres)
(U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)