RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany – After more than 30 years of flying for the Air Force, the last C-130E Hercules aircraft here set forth destined for a new life.

This aircraft is in addition to the five C-130Es Poland is authorized to receive from the United States in an effort to help build up Poland’s airlift capability sooner and allow them to support their forces in Afghanistan.

The departure of the aircraft is also part of the transition to the new, more capable and cost effective C-130J aircraft, of which Ramstein will have 14. Part of the upgrade includes a new system onboard the aircraft.

“The C-130J is all computerized and automated,” said Master Sgt. Jay Mitchell, 37th Airlift Squadron flight engineer. “So, they’ve done away with the flight engineer and navigator positions.”

But, this is no loss for navigators and flight engineers as it opens up other opportunities. For example, Sergeant Mitchell will be heading to Hurlburt Field, Fla., to fly on the AC-130 Gunships.

“It’s a day in history we will never forget,” Sergeant Mitchell said. “This is an awesome aircraft. The C-130 has always been the workhorse of the Air Force and will continue that way with the J-model, but to see the last C-130E leaving here … we’re sad to see it go.”

Aircraft 1299 is the second C-130E to go to the Polish Air Force, as the first was delivered in March under a separate program and has flown more than 100 sorties since then.