Development
The WC-130B model was operational with the former Military Airlift Command's Air Weather Service from 1962 to 1979, the WC-130E model from 1965 to 1993, followed by the WC-130H model from 1973 to 2005 with the 53rd, 54th, 55th and 56th Weather Reconnaissance Squadrons under the 9th Weather Reconnaissance Wing. Three WC-130A models were operational in South East Asia from 1967 to 1970 with the 54th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron. Some of the WC-130Hs were later redistributed without weather reconnaissance equipment to other Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard wings for use as training or operational support aircraft. As of 2010, only the WC-130J model, introduced in 1999, is in service in an active weather reconnaissance role, with the aircraft being operated by the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, part of the 403rd Wing of the Air Force Reserve Command at Keesler AFB, Mississippi.
Read more about this topic: Lockheed WC-130
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