LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark.. (AETCNS) -- Little Rock's two newest C-130J Hercules received a four-star welcome today from Gen. William R. Looney III, commander of Air Education and Training Command.

The C-130Js flew in a two-ship formation helmed by General Looney and Brig. Gen. Kip Self, 314th Airlift Wing and Little Rock AFB commander. The mission delivered the Air Force's sixth and seventh active-duty J models, and last of Little Rock's seven aircraft.

General Looney said the C-130J gives the Air Force unmatched airlift capability.

"The C-130J is absolutely the finest tactical airlifter we've ever built or fielded and it gives us the capability to fly further, faster and higher while carrying more payload," he said. "It's very exciting because this airplane is state-of-the-art.

"For example, the airplanes can be flying together in formation and they hook themselves (together) electronically, so when the lead aircraft turns, climbs, slows down or speeds up in formation, it is signaled back to the trail aircraft automatically," General Looney said. "It's a great capability for flying in weather and long missions over the ocean, which allows the pilots to focus more on the pressing issues of missions. It's an absolutely magnificent aircraft."

The C-130J is the latest addition to the C-130 fleet and will replace aging C-130Es. The J-model provides 40-percent more range and flies 24-percent faster than the C-130E and H-models. The C-130J can also take off on shorter runways and its avionics allow for better data capability and control. They are also larger, with enough room to more 128 people compared to the 92-troop capacity of earlier models.

The general said the bells and whistles would be nothing if it weren't for the Airmen here who maintain, fly and train crews for the aircraft.

"The folks here at Little Rock are in the business of developing America's Airmen today for tomorrow," he said. "I think we've just scratched the surface of what the airplane can do.

"The capability this aircraft possesses and the talents and skills inherent in our instructor force here help us create these great American Airmen who are charged with many challenging and demanding missions in the future," the general said.

From taking the fight to the enemy in the war on terrorism to facing hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the general said facing challenges is something AETC people understand.

"There is absolutely no doubt that throughout our Air Force and our entire military we are very blessed to have the most talented, capable, committed and dedicated force we have ever seen," he said. "Although we've faced challenges, our people have considered them to be obstacles to overcome.

"We have rebounded from Katrina to the point where Keesler Air Force Base, (Miss.), which took such a tremendous beating, is now back to training as many student today as it was pre-Katrina.

"It's the people (who) make it happen. They continue to astound and impress me with their ability and innovation to overcome whatever the obstacle may be to get the mission done," General Looney said. "It inspires me more and more each and every day to make that job easier for them."

He said the character of the command's people keeps the mission flying during challenging times and diminishing resources.

"It takes bright, motivated, dedicated and innovative people -- which this command is full of -- to come up with different approaches from what has been done in the past," the general said. "(It's) those who consider new ideas and create new opportunities and initiatives who allow us to execute the mission not only at the same level of competence we had in the past, but an even higher level, even though we may not possess as many of the resources required to do it."