ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The first Department of the Navy C-130, flown by the Marines, has arrived at Robins Air Force Base as part of a new workload for base personnel.
During a press conference in February, Brig. Gen. John Kubinec, Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex commander, said that within the next five years all of the C-130s in the DOD will be worked on at Robins. “By the 2021 timeframe we will be the center of excellence for maintenance, repair and overhaul for all the Department of Defense C-130s.”
Kubinec added that the Robins team is ready for its new mission.
“We have a workforce that knows the C-130,” he said. “We’ve been sustaining the C-130 here for a long time, and we’re very confident that we’ll be able to provide the readiness to the Navy and Marine Corps just like we have to our Air Force customers.”
The crews on the flight line know the Navy planes are a new addition to the Robins workload, but they aren’t worried about what branch the aircraft come from.
“This is my first Navy C-130; who owns it doesn’t matter much,” said Jerome Estell, C-130 strip crew work lead. “To me, it’s just another part of the military.”
“Just having a little bit of difference and doing stuff different, I like that part,” Estell added. “I like staying busy, and having something new always keeps a fella interested.”