CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Air National Guard’s 130th Airlift Wing will host a media flight on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, and a ceremony on Oct. 4, 2025, at McLaughlin Air National Guard Base in Charleston, W.Va., to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the unit operating the C-130 Hercules aircraft.
Credentialed media are invited to participate in the flight and capture photos, video and interview opportunities highlighting the wing’s airlift heritage, modernization and ongoing service to the state and nation.
A ceremony commemorating the 50-year legacy of flight by the 130th Airlift Wing will be held on Saturday, October 4. We kindly request that those who RSVP for the media flight also attend the ceremony and refrain from broadcasting any imagery until after the event has concluded.
WHO: Credentialed media members
WHAT: Media flight aboard a C-130J-30 Super Hercules in honor of 50 years of C-130 operations at the 130th Airlift Wing. Additionally, a ceremony two weeks later to honor our 50 years of heritage.
WHEN: Media Flight: Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, at 12:30 p.m.
50th Anniversary Ceremony: Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at noon.
WHERE: 130th Airlift Wing, McLaughlin Air National Guard Base, Charleston, West Virginia
MEDIA RSVP: Credentialed media interested in attending the media flight are requested to RSVP by Sept. 16, 2025, at 4 p.m., by emailing [email protected] with the name, last 4-SSN, emergency points of contact, date of birth, ID expiration, gender, phone number and email address. Upon confirmation, further information regarding arrival time, security protocols, dress requirements, and coverage guidelines will be provided.
