There were 12. At least 3 are still around at museums and training facilities. Most of the civil US Hercs are A models so even a derelict H model has potential. We have a wealth of knowledge of C130 ops and maintenance in this country so pulling an operation together shouldn't be hard if there is a will to do it.
Then there are still extant RAAF Orions both operating and loaners to Museums. There is one Orion operating right now in the US and at least 5 others coming out of storage plus 1 with Buffalo, all ex Aero Union.The engineering for more (ex RAAF?) has already been proved and FAA approved. If CASA wanted to it could be another version of the L188. There is grounds for that in the common licensing of a very diverse HS125 and on, type.
It would be interesting to know the cost of operating an Alison plus prop verses a CFM engine? Somebody on here should know that given that there were up to recently Alisons operated on the CV580Fs of Pionair.
And I still think that given the extreme weather events aren't going away, that the French Civile Securite type ops is worthy of detailed examination?
Wunwing