AMC Aircrew of Distinction Award

CROME56 Aircrew
317th Airlift Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, TX

The aircrew of CROME56, 317th Airlift Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, TX, showed exceptional team coordination during an in-flight emergency on March 26, 2025, aboard a C-130J aircraft. While on a mission to Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, the aircraft experienced a master alert for “Utility Suction Pump Pressure Low.” The crew immediately executed the Hydraulic Low/Loss/Leak checklist and entered holding.

The checklist revealed a severe hydraulic leak with fluid covering both engine cowlings. The crew made the decisive call to divert the flight. During nose gear extension, there was a complete loss of auxiliary system pressure.

A failed check valve allowed auxiliary fluid to backflow into the utility system, rendering both systems inoperative. With only one remaining hydraulic system and a single emergency brake accumulator available, the crew repositioned passengers, conducted emergency briefings, and executed a flawless landing and evacuation—saving a $75.5 million aircraft and nine lives.