As the RNZAF’s iconic C-130H Hercules fleet retires after more than 60 years of dedicated service, we at ServiceIQ find ourselves reflecting on a legacy that is as much about personal triumphs as it is about national service. Today, we bid a heartfelt farewell to these magnificent workhorses – aircraft that have carried not only passengers and cargo, but also the spirit and resilience of Aotearoa itself.
The Hercules fleet has been the unsung hero of countless missions, from humanitarian aid and disaster relief to tactical operations around the globe. Every nut, bolt, and engine check has been a part of a story woven with courage and camaraderie, and for many of us with RNZAF roots, these machines are a piece of our own personal history.
One of our own aviation team members recalls an era defined by both challenge and adventure. Over nine years, he worked on the Hercules fleet during pivotal moments in recent conflicts, including the Kuwait war, and recalls a particularly vivid memory: fixing a cracked exhaust in the midst of a horizontal snowstorm in the UK back in 1991.
His journey, which took him from the Solomon Islands to Afghanistan, and even to the icy expanses of Antarctica, speaks volumes about the Hercules’ indomitable spirit—and the pride felt by everyone who has ever worked on them.
These aircraft were more than just metal and machinery; they were, and always will be, a symbol of the trust and teamwork that defined the RNZAF.
Today, as we celebrate the storied past of the Hercules fleet, we are not merely saying goodbye — we are honouring a remarkable chapter in New Zealand’s aviation history. With a mixture of pride and nostalgia, we salute these aircraft for their decades of faithful service, and we celebrate the countless memories, the technical triumphs, and the unwavering dedication of those who kept them aloft.
As the RNZAF and ServiceIQ together turn the page on this historic era, we stand united in gratitude. The Hercules fleet will forever remain a symbol of excellence, a reminder of the heights that can be achieved when passion meets precision. Farewell, Fat Albert’s, you have left an indelible mark on our hearts and the skies of Aotearoa.
Credit: NZDF Media Centre News
C-130H Hercules flying in formation, 2022
C-130H Hercules NZ7005 on the ice in Antarctica