Marshall Aerospace Provides Maintenance, Modification and Repainting
Since arriving at Cambridge last year after being purchased by the USN from UK MoD, the C-130J HERCULES support aircraft for the USN’s Flight Demonstration Squadron (NFDS), the Blue Angels, returned to the USA this week.
Carrying tools, spare parts and engineers and providing critical logistical support to the NFDS, the aircraft has been through an in-depth maintenance and minor modification programme at the hands of Marshall Aerospace & Defence Group (MADG), culminating in being repainted in the iconic Blue Angels’ livery.
“[MADG’s] dedication coupled with support from NAVAIR, CNATRA, PMA-207 and the Marine Corps, will allow us to return to our lead role as the logistics support aircraft for our team. We look forward to fulfilling that role and eventually joining the demonstration, where we can showcase the capabilities of the C-130J and Marine Corps,” commented Capt Beau Mabery, USMC, Lead C-130 Demonstration Pilot.
The display team’s C-130 pilots and engineers arrived in Cambridge in June to conduct a series of maintenance tests, prior to flying the aircraft back to its base in Pensacola, Florida.
“This has been a great example of cooperation between allies and professionals. Coordination and work to deliver this Blue Angels C-130J highlights a unique program office partnership with UK MoD and Marshall Aerospace. The team has worked through challenges to deliver this high-visibility asset to our fleet, and provide us with a ‘new’ aircraft to support our Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron for years to come,” observed Maj Gen Greg Masiello, Program Executive Officer Air ASW, Assault and Special Missions Programs.
