Fort Huachuca, Arizona – A U.S. Air Force C-130J Hercules from the 40th Airlift Squadron and a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules from No. 40 Squadron flew together in a joint training sortie on August 21, 2025.

The mission took place during the Advanced Tactics Aircrew Course near Fort Huachuca, where crews from multiple nations practice complex airlift maneuvers under realistic conditions. The flight emphasized coordination, tactical flying, and interoperability between U.S. and allied forces.

Since 1983, the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center in St. Joseph, Missouri, has provided specialized instruction for aircrews from the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command, Air Mobility Command, the U.S. Marine Corps, and 17 allied nations. The center focuses on honing advanced tactics to enhance mission success in challenging operational environments.

This joint sortie reflects ongoing international collaboration and the commitment of airlift forces to maintain readiness for diverse global operations.

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