Operation Surge Capacity

Photo by SrA Nicholas Monteleone

Sixteen C-130J and WC-130J aircraft from the 403rd Wing, the Air Force Reserve wing at Keesler AFB, Mississippi, were flown in a large-formation training exercise called Operation Surge Capacity over the Mississippi Gulf Coast on 5 April 2014. The exercise was designed to test multiple capabilities of the wing, such as coordination between various squadrons, the Federal Aviation Administration, Stennis IAP, and active duty and Reserve components in supporting the mission. The exercise also tested the abilities of the Reserve 815th and Active Associate 345th Airlift Squadron aircrews to plan and fly in a large formation, and to execute airdrops at two separate locations. This marked the first time the 403rd Wing had attempted a large formation flight.