One of our fans sent in these photos of Fat Albert looking decidedly naked a few days ago. The Blue Angels’ famous C-130 Hercules has been undergoing major repairs at Hill AFB in Utah for months, but the aircraft is clearly airworthy again, and we’re told new blue, gold, and white paint is being applied this week. That’s surely a good sign!
Bert was previously expected to resume airshow demonstrations by now, but the latest rumors put the return to performing in early June. Although the aircraft is flying and being readied for its return to service, the all-Marine crew will need to complete their annual training before performing. In the mean time, they have been borrowing a standard KC-130, known as “Ernie”, to fulfill the team’s transportation needs.
Photo credit: Photos by DOPEY
bruce meligan
Why did they drop the JATO demos?
RyanS
Their supply of JATO bottles got flooded and destroyed in a hurricane some years back. They used the remaining few sparingly for a little longer but ran out. The military doesn’t use them any more so they can’t buy replacements.