A Modern Marvel Takes Flight
https://www.123aw.ang.af.mil/

This was really cool to see at the 2024 Lake Cumberland Air Show. The C-130 was by far the largest plane at the show, with the next biggest plane being the B-25J Champaign Gal. It looks like the C-130 was the 4th act of the show. You’ll have to watch the video, but if memory serves me correctly, they did 5 passes. If the announcement during the show was accurate, they were originally scheduled to give us three flybys but had enough time to give us two extra, which was awesome! Looking through the camera, I couldn’t really see all the details of what was going on at the time, but upon looking at the footage when I got back to my computer, I saw that when the ramp was down, there was a person who I assume was the loadmaster, waving at the spectators. I thought that was a really nice touch and gives a sense of scale as to the size of the C-130’s cargo bay.

It’s still a big plane, but after walking through the cargo hold of a C-17, it does seem fairly small in comparison.

Anyway, that’s it for now; the rest of the writing is just facts. Again, can’t say enough about how impressed I was to see this show up at the event! If the C-130 shows up at the show in the future, hopefully we’ll get to see a takeoff demonstration from it.

A Storied Legacy: The 123rd Airlift Wing

The men and women of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing brought both pride and history to the runway. Their unit is among the most decorated in the U.S. Air Force, boasting 19 Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards and numerous other accolades. With a lineage tracing back to World War II, the 123rd Airlift Wing has continuously adapted, transitioning from fighter missions to reconnaissance and eventually to global airlift responsibilities. Each transformation reflects their unwavering commitment to mission success and humanitarian support.

Showcasing Superior Capabilities

At the 2024 Lake Cumberland Air Show, the Kentucky Air Guard’s C-130J demonstrated the very qualities that set it apart:

• Expanded Cargo Capacity: Two additional pallet positions over older models allow for thousands of pounds more relief supplies, equipment, and gear to be delivered in a single sortie.
• Advanced Avionics: Digital displays, heads-up guidance, and cutting-edge navigation enhance pilot situational awareness, increasing safety and effectiveness.
• Versatility & Efficiency: The J-model’s higher speed, improved fuel efficiency, and quicker climb rates mean more supplies reached communities in need—faster than ever before.

From delivering critical resources to hurricane-ravaged regions to transporting troops and equipment directly into forward-operating areas, the C-130J’s real-world impact is unmatched. Its presence at the 2024 Lake Cumberland Air Show offered spectators the chance to witness a true workhorse of the skies.

Lake Cumberland Regional Airport

Lake Cumberland Regional Airport (IATA: SME, ICAO: KSME, FAA LID: SME) in Somerset, Kentucky, once a nexus of commercial service and now a thriving general aviation hub, continues to support this premier air show. Learn more at https://www.lakecumberlandairshow.com/

Air Show Announcer: Luke Carrico

This year’s show was announced by Luke Carrico, whose engaging commentary and deep aviation expertise added excitement and insight for attendees. For more information, visit https://www.lukecarrico.com/

Airport Website

Additional details about Lake Cumberland Regional Airport can be found at their official site: https://www.lakecumberlandairshow.com/