Ready and launched
A C-130 H2 transport aircraft takes off on Sept. 9, 2013 to simulate flying to a forward operating base during a readiness exercise involving about 350 wing personnel at the New Castle Air National Guard Base, Del. Members of the 166th Airlift Wing, Delaware Air National Guard will simulate base defense while launching actual aircraft missions. The initial response phase of the exercise is Sept. 9, followed by a simulated "war" on Sept. 10. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Robin Meredith)