OVER ALASKA -- Capt. Ryan Hendrickson looks out over the vast Alaska wilderness during the final C-130 flight for the 517th Airlift Squadron March 23. After 43 years of continuous service in Alaska, the flight marked the end of the C-130 era at the 517th AS and will see the C-17 taking over the mission soon. The flight was also significant for other reasons to Captain Hendrickson, who proposed to his girlfriend, Charui, shortly after landing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Keith Brown)

ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Lt. Col. Gary Gottschall, C-130 pilot and 517th Airlift Squadron commander, inspects a C-130 Hercules before its final flight with the 517th AS. The final C-130 flight March 23 marked the end of the squadron’s C-130 mission here after 43 years of service. The 517th AS is converting C-17s and the C-130s have relocated to Yokota Air Base, Japan, and Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Keith Brown)

OVER ALASKA -- A C-130 flys over the Alaska Range during its final flight for the 517th Airlift Squadron March 23. After 43 years of continuous service in Alaska, the flight marked the end of the C-130 era at the 517th AS and will see the C-17 taking over the mission soon. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Keith Brown)

OVER ALASKA -- Retired Lt. Col. Sammie Hunter enjoys the view through a C-130 cargo bay window as it flies near Mount McKinley. Colonel Hunter flew the first C-130 mission in Alaska 43 years ago when he was assigned to the 17th Troop Carier Squadron, now 517th Airlift Squadron, at Elmendorf Air Force Base. He returned to fly on the last C-130 mission here March 23. The C-130 is being replaced by the C-17. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Keith Brown)

ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Master Sgt B.A. Lund, a loadmaster with the 517th Airlift Squadron, stretches his communication cord to create a "Do not cross line" as he waits for the final passengers to board a C-130. The final C-130 flight March 23 marked the end of the squadron’s C-130 mission here after 43 years of service. The 517th AS is converting C-17s and the C-130s have relocated to Yokota Air Base, Japan, and Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Keith Brown)

ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska - A snow covered C-130 is towed into place for post flight inspections after a ceremonial shut down of the remaining C-130s attached to the 517 Airlift Squadron. After 43 years of continuous service in Alaska, the C-130 is leaving to fulfill a reorganization of aircraft basing to make its mission more efficient. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Garrett Hothan)

ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska - People crowd around the final 517th Airlift Squadron C-130s welcoming home its passengers and saying goodbye to the past. After 43 years of continuous service in Alaska, the C-130 is leaving to fulfill a reorganization of aircraft basing to make its mission more efficient. C-17s are replacing the C-130s and will start supporting the 517th Airlift Squadron in June. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Garrett Hothan)

ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska - Maintainers from the 703rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron ready two 517th Airlift Squadron C-130s for the disembarkment of its last passengers here. After 43 years of continuous service in Alaska, the ceremonial shut down of two of the three remaining C-130 stationed here marked the end of the C-130 era with the 517th AS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Garrett Hothan)

ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska - Staff Sgt. Joseph Langer, 703rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, marshals the final C-130 into place for a ceremonial shut down. After 43 years of continuous service in Alaska, the ceremonial shut down of two of the three remaining C-130 stationed here marked the end of the C-130 era with the 517th Airlift Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Garrett Hothan)

ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska - A torrent of water from a fire truck washes over a C-130 from the 517th Airlift Squadron as it returns from its last flight. After 43 years of continuous service in Alaska, the C-130 ceremonial shut down of two of the three remaining Hercules stationed here marked the end of the an era with the 517th AS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Garrett Hothan)