ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Georgia – As the community at Robins Air Force Base celebrated the 70th anniversary of the C-130 Hercules in action, a select group of paratroopers from 1st Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, conducted static line and military free-fall jumps from a C-130J assigned to the 19th Airlift Wing at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas. The jump was organized to demonstrate the versatility and operational abilities of the C-130, a staple of airborne operations across the Department of Defense.
The C-130, in several of its variations, is frequently used for airborne operations and plays a crucial role in training at the Basic Airborne Course, run by 1-507th PIR at Fort Moore, Georgia, home of the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence. This event not only celebrated the legacy of the C-130 but also showcased its ongoing importance in military training and operations.
This jump marked a significant achievement for two instructors from Charlie Company, 1-507th PIR. U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Mark Krafcky, one of the most senior instructors in the company, earned the Master Parachutist Badge, a distinction achieved by very few servicemembers over their careers.
Krafcky, a seasoned jumpmaster and Black Hat instructor, reflected on the significance of the event. “It was a really special experience for me; not many people get to wear the wreath and even fewer get to say they had theirs pinned on by a three-star general,” Krafcky said, referring to his badge being pinned on by Lt. Gen. John P. Healy, Chief of Air Force Reserve and Commander of Air Force Reserve Command.
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Brummet, a new Black Hat instructor and the primary jumpmaster for the operation, also reflected on his participation. “It was a full circle moment, as I hadn’t been in a C-130 since my days as an Airborne student,” said Brummet, who serves as a platoon sergeant in Charlie Company and is a Psychological Operations Specialist. “Having spent most of my career in special operations, jumping from smaller aircraft, it was a great experience to be back at the Basic Airborne Course and once again flying in the C-130.”
As the primary jumpmaster for the event, Brummet played a critical role in ensuring the success of the jump. “Being a jumpmaster is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career, especially when I get the opportunity to be the primary jumpmaster for momentous events like our jump into Robins AFB for the 70th anniversary,” Brummet said.
Echo Company, 1-507th PIR, also took part in the demonstration, conducting military free-fall operations from the C-130. Freefall-qualified parachute riggers from the company exited the aircraft over the drop zone, showing the precision and skill required for military free-fall missions. Echo Company oversees the military free-fall program for the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade and uses the C-130 for jumper proficiency and training.
The Soldiers of the 1-507th PIR were honored to participate in the celebration of the C-130’s 70 years of service, recognizing the capabilities it continues to provide to paratroopers past and present.
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