US Navy takes delivery of first C-130J-30 for TACAMO conversion

The US Navy has accepted delivery of the first C-130J-30 Super Hercules that will be converted into the E-130J "Phoenix II" configuration, fitted with the Take Charge and Move Out mission system.

The handover took place at a ceremony on Oct. 15, 2026, at Lockheed Martin's production facility in Marietta, Georgia, according to the Navy's Portfolio Acquisition Executive Aviation.

Capt. Roger Davis, program manager for Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications (PMA-271), said the delivery represents the foundation of the service's future strategic deterrence posture and described the partnership with Lockheed Martin and its industry team as ensuring a communications lifeline to the ballistic missile submarine fleet.

The airframe first emerged in September 2025, when it left final assembly. It now moves into mission systems integration led by prime contractor Northrop Grumman, with Collins Aerospace supplying Very Low Frequency systems, the Navy said.

The E-130J is being procured by PMA-271 through the TACAMO Recapitalization Program.

The source does not state how many aircraft the program covers or when the converted aircraft is expected to enter service.