The C-130, aka "Hercules"

In the 1940's, General Lucius Clay and his childhood playmates inexorably linked Marietta and Cobb County to the federal government's war effort. Following the purchase of farm-land upon which to build the Bell Bomber plant and Rickenbacker Airfield, Cobb farmers and Marietta villagers became skilled craftsmen and women who produced over 600 B-29 bombers during the World War II. This ultimately proved the "South" had a role to play in the post-war industrial age. 

In the 1950s, Lockheed-Martin purchased the remains of the Bell Bomber plant. Rickenbacker Field became Dobbins  Air Force Base.  In time, producing reliable cargo carriers became a priority for the military and Lockheed began manufacturing the C-130.
 
Named "Hercules", this aircraft remains unique for it's load capacity, it's design to land and takeoff in challenging conditions, and the reliability and efficiencies of it's turbo-thrust engines.   The C-130, and those who build it,  now share a proud history for its contribution throughout the world.  

Here, the Big Chicken stands at attention, the B-29 in the background, as the "Hercules" passes overhead.