11/1/2012 - SOUTHWEST ASIA – The sun sets over the flightline at a deployed location in Southwest Asia, Oct. 9. The aircraft, a C-130 Hercules and a C-17 Globemaster, are awaiting clearance for takeoff. Both are U.S. Air Force airlift aircraft capable of conducting a variety of missions including troop movement, cargo transport and medical evacuation of injured military personnel. The smaller C-130 has the added capability of taking off and landing on shorter, unprepared runways often found at remote forward operating bases. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Boutte)