563rd Rescue Group receives first combat ready HC-130J Combat King II
Making its US Air Force (USAF) debut, the first combat ready HC-130J Combat King II touched down on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, on 15 November as the centerpiece of an induction ceremony presided over by Col Jason Hanover, 563rd Rescue Group commander. The new HC-130J aircraft is specifically designed for CSAR operations and replaces the HC-130P, a 1960s-era aircraft currently in use by the 79th Rescue Squadron.
Making its US Air Force (USAF) debut, the first combat ready HC-130J Combat King II touched down on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, on 15 November as the centerpiece of an induction ceremony presided over by Col Jason Hanover, 563rd Rescue Group commander. The new plane was welcomed by a formation of 21 USAF personnel, who, upon arrival of the HC-130J, rendered salutes while a crowd waited to participate in the ceremony.
The 563rd Rescue Group directs flying operations for the USAF’s only active duty rescue wing dedicated to combat search and rescue (CSAR) operations. The new HC-130J aircraft is specifically designed for CSAR operations and replaces the HC-130P, a 1960s-era aircraft currently in use by the 79th Rescue Squadron.
Referring to the team of Airmen and pararescue professionals, Hanover commented: “This aircraft means enhanced survivability for our HH-60 [helicopters] and our guardian angels.” He added: “It means enhanced effectiveness and speed when getting to our isolated personnel when providing lifesaving medical care and support. It is a C-130 variant, but the differences make it an entirely different aircraft. I wish we could give it a different number because it is so radically advanced.”
The upgrades present on the HC-130J include improved navigation, threat detection and countermeasures systems. The aircraft fleet has a fully-integrated inertial navigation and global positioning system, and interior and exterior lighting that are compatible with night vision goggles. It also has forward-looking infrared, radar and missile warning receivers, chaff and flare dispensers, satellite and data-burst communications and the ability to receive fuel inflight via a Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation.
Staff Sgt Derek Ruud, 923rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, said: “This aircraft allows us to update our personal rescue force. We’ll have better capabilities which will allow us to get our mission done quicker and more effectively.”
Commenting on the HC-130Js impact on the 79th’s capabilities, Ruud said: “We’ll be able to deploy anytime, anywhere and provide 24-hour coverage. The C-130s we had before were from the 1960s, so we would have problems with them breaking. We won’t have that issue now. We’ll be able to launch the aircraft quicker.”
Image: The crew of the HC-130J stands at attention in front of their plane on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, 15 November / USAF / Senior Airman Michael Washburn