A New York National Guard HC-130 caused a stir on Twitter Tuesday night as it flew over New York City.
The military plane flying over Manhattan, along with HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters, was part of a regular training flight, a Guard spokesman confirmed to Air Force Times.
The sight of the aircraft gained traction on Twitter with the original post by Jason Rabinowitz, who writes about aviation.
Seeing multiple reports of a USAF C-130 and several Black Hawk helicopters circling low (3,000 feet) over Manhattan.
No, that is not normal pic.twitter.com/DaFByrAX3O
— Jason Rabinowitz (@AirlineFlyer) December 13, 2016
Army Col. Rich Goldenberg, with the New York National Guard headquarters, told Air Force Times it was a standard crew training flight from the 102nd Rescue Squadron, part of the 106th Rescue Wing.
The C-130 has departed Manhattan skies and, still, nobody has any idea what it was doing. pic.twitter.com/YrQUtUKC78
— Lance Ulanoff (@LanceUlanoff) December 13, 2016
Goldenberg said even though this isn't the first time the New York National Guard has conducted training exercises over the city, it's the first time he can remember receiving a phone call about one.
Aircraft usually go over Long Island Sound, he said, but sometimes it's necessary to coordinate transit through New York City. He was unable to provide details of the exercise or how long it lasted.
Charlsy Panzino covers the Guard and Reserve, training, technology, operations and features for Army Times and Air Force Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
Charlsy is a Reporter and Engagement Manager for Military Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
