CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- In 2025, the 130th Airlift Wing experienced a year defined by sustained operational tempo, leadership transition and historic milestones. Leadership changes included Col. Bryan Preece relinquishing command to Col. Richard Switzer, while Chief Master Sgt. Kevan Williams transferred command chief responsibilities to Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey King. The year also marked the Wing’s first deployment as a C-130J unit and the celebration of 50 years of flying the C-130 airframe. The following highlights the Wing’s major accomplishments and events throughout the year.
The Wing executed 17 multinational and joint exercises, including Global Thunder, Resolute Force Pacific, Bright Star 25 and the Remote Integrated C-130J Omnidomain Operations Program. This demanding schedule ensured mission readiness and sustained combat certification. Key outcomes included full Mission Essential Task certification, enhanced interoperability with NATO and partner nations, and continued development of Agile Combat Employment and Mission Ready Airman concepts. In addition to exercise support, the Wing conducted humanitarian operations supporting Hurricane Helene relief efforts, advanced medical and tactical training, DC Safe and Beautiful Task Force missions, and community outreach. In total, the Wing completed 2,139 flying hours across 477 missions, airdropped 6,782 personnel, and transported 668 tons of cargo.
The 130th Mission Support Group provided the operational backbone for the Wing through logistics, civil engineering, communications, security forces and personnel support. The group processed 841 members for global deployments, supported disaster relief operations in West Virginia and North Carolina, and delivered more than 1.5 million gallons of fuel with zero mission delays. The 130th Force Support Squadron processed more than 600 personnel actions, managed $3.8 million in training funding for 304 members, and served more than 9,000 meals. Family readiness programs also experienced leadership transition as longtime director Elisabeth Melton retired and Debbie Turrill assumed responsibility. Despite the change, programs continued without interruption, as Airman and Family Readiness hosted events such as Trunk or Treat, an Easter egg hunt and Evening with Santa, reinforcing resilience across the Wing.
The 130th Civil Engineer Squadron completed $500,000 in infrastructure modernization projects and supported emergency response efforts during statewide flood recovery operations. The Communications Squadron sustained cyber readiness while supporting major national-level events, including the Presidential Inauguration and the State of the Union address. Ground Transportation executed 89 priority missions, completed 17 tractor-trailer service runs totaling 238,380 pounds, and supported 84 general passenger movements, transporting 685 passengers in support of Wing training and operational requirements.
The Fuels Management Flight delivered 1.5 million gallons of fuel to aircraft and equipment with zero mission delays. The flight also identified 10 fuel storage system discrepancies, resulting in $120,000 in repairs through the Recurring Maintenance and Minor Repair contract. These upgrades ensured continued reliability and mission support for air and ground operations.
The Contracting Office played a critical role in modernization and sustainment efforts across the installation. The office executed $3.49 million in design contracts for the Squadron Operations Facility and Building 109 renovations, establishing the foundation for a modernized operations complex. Additionally, contracting awarded $681,430 in supply, services and construction contracts to sustain daily operations and maintain mission readiness.
The 130th Security Forces Squadron planned and executed a fly-away training mission to Camp Williams, Utah. During the mission, Defenders qualified more than 200 personnel on primary weapon systems, while more than 150 Airmen completed chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear and tactical combat casualty care training requirements. Five Defenders also deployed in support of Bright Star 25, contributing to eight airlift missions and four airdrops that moved more than 30,000 pounds of cargo. Master Sgt. Keith McGraw, assigned to the 130th Security Forces Squadron, was recognized with the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat Device for heroic actions during Operation Allies Refuge.
The 130th Maintenance Group sustained 1,299 sorties at a 67.3% mission-capable rate, exceeding Air National Guard standards. The Air Force Repair Enhancement Program saved $400,000 while increasing aircraft availability and operational readiness. Maintenance Airmen also supported RICO-OP operations, validating Mission Ready Airman training objectives and austere deployment capabilities.
The 130th Medical Group and the CBRN Task Force maintained more than 90% medical readiness across the Wing. The Medical Group processed more than 600 members during its annual mass medical processing event, deployed medics in support of Resolute Force Pacific, and supported state flood response operations. The CBRN Task Force supported domestic operations, including the Presidential Inauguration, the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday celebration, and national-level emergency response exercises.
In October, the Wing marked 50 years of flying the C-130 airframe. The legacy of the Charlie West Hercules began in 1975, delivering troops and cargo worldwide and expanding through the H2 and H3 eras with deployments supporting Operations Desert Storm, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. In 2020, the Wing flew more than 1,000 sorties during COVID-19 response operations, transporting thousands of passengers and tons of cargo. Today, operating eight modern C-130J aircraft, the 130th Airlift Wing continues to deliver global airlift capability with increased range, efficiency and capacity—celebrating 50 years of excellence with zero Class A mishaps.
Finally, we must acknowledge the tragedy in our nation’s capital on Nov. 27, as the West Virginia National Guard mourned the loss of Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, who was fatally shot while performing duty in Washington, D.C. The incident deeply affected the entire West Virginia National Guard family, underscoring the inherent risks faced by service members in the line of duty. As the Guard honored Beckstrom’s life and service, it also continued to support Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, who was wounded in the same incident and is currently recovering. The 130th Airlift Wing stands in solidarity with their families, teammates and fellow Guardsmen, reaffirming a shared commitment to care for one another and uphold the values of service, sacrifice and unity that define the West Virginia National Guard.