Originally Posted by
dragartist
Knowing that the unit was heading for China Lake and Yuma for training the parachutes may have been cargo. UK forces use both locations for high altitude parachute training and trials. YPG became a second home for quite a period.
USMC KC-130s carry 6-8 back pack (NB8s?) on the starboard fuselage, forward, along with a number of chest mount units.
It was not unknown to have personnel drop into an exercise area vice landing. Usually when USA or SOCOM was picking up the tab as that was their requirement. I don’t know if they were planning on dropping the non-aircrew then landing with the rest of their equipment, if they boarded rigged or were going to practice in-flight rigging, etc.
S/F, FOG