The 317th Airlift Group at Dyess AFB, Texas, started the unit’s first overseas operational deployment with its C-130J Super Hercules transports on 6 September 2011. More than 150 Airmen also deployed to support the aircraft during operations in Southwest Asia. The C-130Js will be used for combat airlift, which includes high-altitude, low-opening Army parachute drops, equipment drops, and transportation of troops throughout the region. Men and women from the 317th AG have now been continuously deployed for more than 2,850 days.