According to a company press release, Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules has been named the “Coolest Thing Made in Mississippi,” recognizing work performed on the aircraft at the company’s Meridian facility, while production and final assembly of the C-130J take place at Lockheed Martin’s Marietta, Georgia, plant.
The Mississippi Business Alliance announced the C-130J as the winner of its 2026 Mississippi Makers’ Challenge on Wednesday at an event at the Jackson Convention Complex.
The distinction highlights the role of Lockheed Martin’s Meridian operation in the C-130J manufacturing process. Established in 1969, the Mississippi facility is a feeder site for the C-130J production line, fabricating roughly half of the aircraft’s fuselage and contributing 12% of the overall airframe. The work includes production of the aircraft’s cargo floor assembly.
Those components ultimately feed into C-130J production in Marietta, where the Super Hercules is assembled into the completed aircraft. The Marietta manufacturing plant is the site of C-130J production and final assembly.
“Mississippi is proud to see Lockheed Martin’s Meridian-built C-130J Super Hercules named MSBA’s Coolest Thing Made in Mississippi,” said Gov. Tate Reeves. “This vital aircraft supports more than 500 Mississippi jobs across our state, building on a 57-year heritage in Meridian. We are proud of the key role Lockheed Martin continues to play in Mississippi’s support of the U.S. Armed Forces and our allies.”
John McKay, president and CEO of the Mississippi Business Alliance, said the award recognizes the manufacturing work performed in the state.
“Congratulations to Lockheed Martin on being named the winner of the ‘Coolest Thing Made in Mississippi.’ This recognition reflects the innovation, advanced manufacturing expertise and skilled workforce that make Mississippi a leader on the global stage,” McKay said. “We are proud to celebrate Lockheed Martin’s team and the remarkable work they accomplish right here in our state.”
Trish Pagan, vice president of Air Mobility and Maritime Missions and Marietta site general manager, credited employees in Meridian and elsewhere in the C-130J production operation.
“Built to Deliver. Built to Last. That’s a perfect description of the C-130J, our Mississippi workforce, and the community behind it. Being named the ‘Coolest Thing Made in Mississippi’ is tremendous recognition and testament to the skill, pride, and dedication of the workforce who builds the C-130J and the community that supports it,” Pagan said. “Our team commitment to quality and innovation touches every C-130J component and aircraft we build. We’re extremely proud of our team in Meridian, and all our employees who have a role in building and delivering this iconic aircraft for the world.”
The C-130J is used for missions including medical evacuation, aerial refueling, firefighting, humanitarian relief and combat operations. According to Lockheed Martin, the aircraft supports 20 mission types and is operated by 27 nations.
Rashad Corpening, director and site lead for Lockheed Martin’s Meridian facility, said the award reflects the work of employees there.
“Our team’s dedication to precision and quality is what makes the Super Hercules a true Mississippi made marvel,” Corpening said. “I’m very proud of the team and what this recognition represents.”
The annual Mississippi Makers’ Challenge included 32 companies. Lockheed Martin advanced to the finals alongside Toyota, Cathead Distillery and CITE Armored Inc.
“It’s the coolest thing in Mississippi because someone’s life depends on it. This is not your usual production assembly line. This is precision maintenance and production,” said Dale Turnbull, C130J Multi-Functional production senior manager in Meridian. “We take pride in making this incredible aircraft for the global community.”
The Mississippi honor follows a similar recognition for the C-130J in Georgia. The aircraft won the 2025 “Coolest Thing Made in Georgia” competition, giving the Super Hercules consecutive state manufacturing honors.
While Mississippi’s award recognizes the substantial C-130J manufacturing work performed in Meridian, the completed aircraft comes together in Georgia: Lockheed Martin’s Marietta plant is home to C-130J production and final assembly.
Lockheed Martin received a winner’s banner, trophy and championship belt during the Mississippi ceremony.
More information about the C-130J is available from Lockheed Martin.
Editor’s note: AI was used in the production of this article. To read about when and why we made use of AI, read our article “How, When and Why the Cobb County Courier uses AI.”