This Week in History: YC-141B introduced

On Jan. 8, 1977, the first YC-141B rolled out of the Lockheed-Georgia Marietta plant. Equipped with in-flight refueling capability, it was 23 feet longer than the original C-141A, enabling it to carry more troops and cargo.(Courtesy photo)

‘Executive Sweet’ arrives

KIRTLAND AFB, N.M -- The B-25 Mitchell World War II-era medium bomber, nicknamed “Executive Sweet,” landed April 10 at the Albuquerque International Sunport for an overnight stop. (Photo by Dennis Carlson)

58 SOW gets new simulator

KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. -- The new state-of-the-art HH-60G simulator that was formally accepted by the 58th Training Squadron on March 23 uses a total crew concept enabling the training of all crew members, including the flight engineer and aerial gunner positions. (Courtesy photo)

58 SOW gets new simulator

KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. -- The new state-of-the-art HH-60G simulator that was formally accepted by the 58th Training Squadron on March 23 uses a total crew concept enabling the training of all crew members, including the flight engineer and aerial gunner positions. (Courtesy photo)

March 31, 1916: Congress provides the Army $500,000 for 24 airplanes

On March 30, 1916, Capt. Benjamin D. Foulois made an urgent appeal for “at least 10 of the highest-powered, highest-climbing and best weight-carrying aeroplanes that can be secured and purchased in the United States.” On March 31, Congress passed the “Urgent Deficiency Act,” which provided the Army with $500,000 for the immediate purchase of 24 airplanes, including eight for the 1st Aero Squadron. The first of the new airplanes were Curtiss N-8s; but on May 1, a “Punitive Expedition” board determined that those aircraft were too slow and not rugged enough for duty in Mexico. Also on May 1, the first Curtiss R-2s arrived at Columbus, N.M., for the 1st Aero Squadron.

New MC-130J arrives at Kirtland AFB

Gen. Rice turns over the aircraft “key” to Staff Sgt. Gordon Grgurich, 58th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. Photo by Dennis Carlson