A team from Coulson have collected another New Zealand Defence Force C-130H Hercules from Blenheim to California, N4054 (formerly NZ 7003) has officially completed her Pacific crossing and is safe in Thermal.

This journey was more than just miles in the logbook. It was cold mornings in Blenheim, traded for the warmth of Hawaiian sunsets. It was troubleshooting along the way, laughter in the cockpit, and even one unforgettable moment when a flashing headlamp had the first officer (FO) convinced an alert was going off… until the Flight Engineer (FE) finally broke it to the FO: “Dude, it’s your headlamp.”

Through it all, the New Zealand crew showed the same care and pride that kept these Hercs in such incredible condition. These aircraft have been beautifully maintained, and now they begin a new chapter, transforming into airtankers that will continue their humanitarian mission as firefighting water bombers around the world.

We are honored to carry forward their legacy and hope to make the Kiwis proud.