"With the new C-130J Super Hercules, I believe the Indonesian Air Force will be able to enhance its capability in military logistics operations in the future," he stated during his visit to the Lockheed Martin aircraft manufacturer factory in Maryland, the United States, as quoted from his press statement in Jakarta, Thursday.
Marshal Prasetyo highlighted that the C-130 Hercules aircraft had become the backbone of military operations conducted by the Air Force for years, especially during humanitarian and disaster mitigation missions.
"The C-130 aircraft's functions remain essential during the COVID-19 pandemic for the distribution of vaccine and health equipment to regions across Indonesia," Prasetyo remarked.
During his visit, Air Marshal Prasetyo observed the production line and training and simulator facilities of the C-130J aircraft. Lockheed Martin directors also updated the Air Marshal and other air force officials on the recent aircraft developments.
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He praised the warm welcome extended by the Lockheed Martin directors and expressed optimism that the air force would streamline its training program to better operate the C-130 aircraft as the backbone of the air force operations.
“I am convinced this visit has enlightened us on the importance of improving crew training for the C-130 and C-130J aircraft, thereby allowing us to enhance the operational capability of the two aircraft models," Prasetyo stated.
Marshal Prasetyo was accompanied by air force officials and the Indonesian Defense Attache for the United States during the visit to the Lockheed Martin factory on Tuesday (Sept 7) and were received by Rod McLean, the vice president and general manager for Lockheed Martin's Air Mobility and Maritime Missions Organization.
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Translator: Syaiful Hakim, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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