It’s a common practice for those in the Armed Forces to permanently commemorate their service in the form of a tattoo.  Just as sailors collected tattoos ages ago on their visits to exotic ports of call to remember their travels, today’s soldiers, sailors, and airmen (and women) still do the same to remember a part of their life that helped shape their adulthood.

Such is the case in today’s post… a Lockheed C-130 Hercules tattoo decorating the shoulder of a wearer who holds the strength and power of one of the most heralded transport aircraft in history close to his heart.  He is not alone, at least two more people have done the same and certainly there are more who we just haven’t found yet!

The C-130 certainly deserves such recognition.  Aside from being one of the longest produced active military aircraft… still rolling off assembly lines after 55 years, the C-130 is also one of the most flexible transports ever.  It’s service has covered every continent in the world… even Antarctica!  Special LC-130H’s operated by the 109th Airlift Wing based at Stratton ANGB in Scotia, NY supported the National Science Foundation in Antarctica to supply the scientific bases there by landing on the ice with specially designed skis fitted to the landing gear.

This shoulder tattoo, created in black and gray shading, was created by artist Erik Payne of Inkvision Tattoo Studio in Boise, ID.

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The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is the oldest serving transport aircraft design currently in Armed Forces inventory.  As a result, thousands of crew members have served aboard the “Herkey Bird” throughout its service history.  Many crew are intensely proud of the aircraft and as a result, the C-130 is, perhaps, the most tattooed transport aircraft out there… but that’s just a guess from our crack editorial staff!

Over 2300 C-130’s have been produced and they are still under production as the C-130J Super Hercules - nearly the same externally as the basic C-130 but with new engines, six-bladed propellers, digital avionics and other upgraded systems.  The fact that it’s still rolling off the assembly line after 55 years is an amazing testament to the durability of the design and usefulness of the aircraft in a changing military over more than five decades.

A little known fact about the C-130 is the fact that it currently holds the record for the largest and heaviest aircraft to land on an aircraft carrier - a record set through a series of trials in October and November 1963 with a USMC KC-130F aboard the USS Forrestal. 

This tribute tattoo of a C-130 as a paratrooper ship was created by artist Melissa Zimmer of Black Lantern Tattoo in Glendale, AZ.

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The mighty Lockheed C-130 Hercules is one of the most recognizable transport aircraft in the world today.  First flown on August 23, 1954, the “Herky Bird” is one of only five aircraft types that have met and surpassed the 50-year mark of continuous service in current inventory.  The C-130 is still being produced in fact, as the C-130J.  The C-130 was originally designed as a troop transport, but it’s scope has broadened over the years to include service as an inflight refueler (KC-130), gunship (AC-130), and even use by the US Navy and Air National Guard to support operations in Antarctica on skis!

For many who crewed on or currently fly aboard the C-130, the airplane holds a special place in their heart. For the subject of this entry, his passion for the C-130 Hercules extended to the point where he had one permanently placed on his forearm as a tattoo tribute to the timeless transport.

Artist Matt Bremer of Sinnin Skinn Inkworks in Orfordville, WI did the great piece in black and gray for the client with great results!

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