Introduced by Lockheed in August 1962, the C-130E conducted critical United States Air Force missions from the Vietnam War through the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and also supported countless humanitarian efforts around the globe in all climates. Originally designed as an assault transport capable of operating from unpaved airstrips, the C-130 Hercules made its first flight in August 1954. Over the next half century, the United States Air Force used various versions of this versatile aircraft for aeromedical evacuation, mid-air refueling of helicopters, mid-air space capsule recovery, search and rescue, reconnaissance, as a gunship, and for many other missions. The C-130E serial number 63-7868 entered service in April 1964 and had a long career that included extensive service in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War for both the United States Air Force and Air America. Before the Vietnam War, 7868 participated in Operation Red Dragon, the deployment of Belgian paratroopers and the rescue of hostages in the Congo in November 1964. Its last assignment was at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, where it was used for aircrew training, and it was retired in September 2011 after 47 years of service.