A C-130 Hercules from Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, fights a cross wind as it starts a mission from an undisclosed air base in Southwest Asia Sept. 2, 2008. The sand, heat, and wind are all obstacles to be overcome during this deployment. The C-130 Hercules primarily performs the tactical portion of the airlift mission. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for air dropping troops and equipment into hostile areas. The C-130 operates throughout the U.S. Air Force and is here in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.