ABILENE, Texas, April 28th, 2011 — Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] and the U.S. Air Force celebrated 50 years of C-130 operations at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, today.

The base’s 317th Airlift Group is currently transitioning to the C-130J Super Hercules ─ the most technologically advanced version of the C-130. The 317th accepted the first of its 28 C-130Js last April, which was delivered by Gen. Norton Schwartz, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force.

“As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the C-130 at Dyess, we are constantly reminded of the astounding accomplishments achieved by our brave Airmen flying the mighty Hercules to save lives and sustain the conflicts around the globe,” said Col. Dan Dagher, 317th Airlift Group commander. “As each generation builds on the successes of our predecessors, we look forward to even greater accomplishments over the next 50 years.”

Dyess officials first accepted their C-130 A and D models in 1961, and currently fly the H and J models. These C-130s were used to execute a variety of missions, ranging from military operations to humanitarian airlift to unique tasks including support of NASA’s historic Mercury space program. By 2013, Dyess Air Force Base will have the distinction of being home to the largest C-130J fleet when it receives its 28th Super Hercules aircraft.