In Pictures: US Marine KC-130J Refueling Squadron Completes Round-The-World Mission Aiding Africa

The United States Marine Corps’ (USMC) squadron VGMR-352 Raiders successfully completed a full flight around the world in September 2024. They circumnavigated the globe in a marathon of long-distance flights. The goal of this incredible journey was to fulfill their mission of supporting Marine operations by units in Africa.
Photo: US Marines | DVIDS Hub
The VMGR acronym stands for Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron and their plane of choice is the KC-130J Hercules to serve as the primary heavy hauler of the Marines. During this expeditionary mission, they performed midair refueling for tactical aircraft as well as providing cargo transport of supplies needed for the missions of units on station, bypassing the usual extended supply chain delivery time.
Devil Dogs
When the Raiders embarked on this undertaking, they were prepared and equipped to perform their primary mission of aerial refueling (AR) and airlift. In this case, they would carry high-value components for other air combat units based in Africa, and along the way, their AR capability would be just as much a high-value tool for refilling the tanks of aircraft operating in remote flight space.
Photo: US Marines | DVIDS Hub
In order to deliver the vital parts that the Marine flyers in Africa needed, the Raiders would travel over 26,000 miles (41,000 km) over the course of 20 days. Stopping 11 times in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Indo-Pacific regions. The aircrew included 10 pilots for this extra special training evolution. Over the course of their epic flight plan, they would have the opportunity to practice virtually skillset required of Marine aviators that take the helm of a KC-130.
Photo: US Marines | DVIDS Hub
“Our global flight showcased the capability of the KC-130J to extend the operational reach of Third MAW,” said Lt. Col. Mark Bock, commanding officer of VMGR-352. “More importantly, the operation demonstrated the readiness and skill of the Marines who fix and fly our aircraft.”
Photo: US Marines | DVIDS Hub
It is fair to say that for any mission, success depends on planning and coordination. In their case, that relied on precisely timed refueling schedules for both the Hercules and its customers as well as carefully prepared airspace navigation plans. Naturally, the Marines onboard would also have to be prepared to adapt and overcome to any scenario, no matter what might happen.
Photo: US Marines | DVIDS Hub
Even carefully laid plans can be virtually thrown out the window once the wheels go up and challenges arise. But at every stop and with every tank filled, the Marines demonstrated professionalism and outstanding performance in support of their brothers and sisters deployed in harsh theaters as well as the allies that work with American troops in support of international cooperation.
Global ops
The Raiders’ cargo provided much-needed equipment and parts that are crucial to sustaining Marine units deployed in Africa. Airlift delivery was able to put the right parts in the right hands in days instead of weeks. The KC-130J’s transport capability was extremely valuable on this mission. Of course, midair refueling to aircraft operating in remote areas is always an exceptionally powerful tool that enables operations in the most austere corners of the world.
Photo: US Navy
The Marines used their mission as a platform to strengthen alliances as they carried out their duty. VMGR-352 conducted cooperative refueling operations with allied air forces in addition to US forces and worked with local personnel at their stopovers to foster interoperability and trust.
Photo: US Marines | DVIDS Hub
As reported by The Aviationist, the squadron engaged with allied air forces to conduct combined refueling operations and exchange expertise, enhancing interoperability. These efforts reinforced partnerships critical to ensuring regional stability and future mission success.
KC-130J specs
The KC-130J Hercules, built by Lockheed Martin, is one of the most versatile, multi-mission, cargo planes in the world. Its design provides a modular airframe with flexible capabilities while prioritizing reliability, ruggedness and endurance – all of which combine to make it an essential workhorse of the US Marines.
Photo: US Navy
Top Speed: 417 kts/ 772 kmh
Max Range: 3,000 nm / 5,556 km
Max Payload: 42,000 lbs / 19,051 kg
Wingspan: 132 ft 7 in / 40.4 m
Length: 97 ft 9 in /29.8 m
The KC-130J’s many missions extend beyond refueling and cargo hauling. The mighty Hercules can perform dozens of operational roles including medical evacuation and delivering humanitarian aid to disaster zones.
Photo: US Marines | DVIDS Hub
Continuous improvement and modernizing overhauls keep the aircraft’s flight systems and engines up to date with the latest technology. Avionics and sensors upgrades reduce maintenance requirements and enable sustained deployments for prolonged periods.
Airlift, anytime, anywhere
Executing a circumnavigation of the globe in any aircraft demands extensive mission planning and coordination with a wide range of agencies, countries and airfields. The Raiders faced challenges with their plane, their crew, weather and countless other factors like coordinating foreign airspace clearance, etc. Any such mission requires the crew to adapt and overcome any operational obstacles they encounter while navigating over such a vast distance.
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“The flight in support of deployed units enabled mission success by delivering required bulky supply parts that would have taken weeks to ship by other means,” said US Marine Corps Maj. Nathan Fluker.
The already complex mission of simply flying a large plane around the globe is compounded by the complexity of synchronizing refueling schedules with ground and air forces along the way. Then there’s the safe delivery of their precious cargo which is in dire need by tactical units operating in a harsh theater with infrequent relief. The robustness of the Hercules and the performance of the “Raiders” crew ensured that no challenge was insurmountable.
Future strategy
The squadron’s ability to complete their monumental mission, in outstanding time, to support ongoing missions in Africa was a showcase of Marine Corps strategic reach and staying power. The ability to execute sustained, tactical operations in remote and austere theaters is a crucial power for responding to evolving threats or supporting international allies.
Photo: The Marines Times