News>563rd Rescue Group receives first combat ready HC-130J Combat King II
Photos
The crew of the HC-130J stands at attention in front of their plane on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Nov. 15. The J model has new features including chaff and flare dispensers, threat detection capabilities and the ability to refuel inflight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael Washburn/Released)
The new HC-130J gets marshaled in for its arrival ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Nov. 15. The HC-130J is designed for Combat Search and Rescue missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael Washburn/Released)
U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Hanover, 563rd Rescue Group commander, addresses the crowd during the HC-130J Combat King II ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Nov. 15. The J model replaces the P model which has been used since the 1960s. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael Washburn/Released)
The HC-130J Combat King II flies over the flightline before landing for its ceremony on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Nov. 15. The J model has new features including chaff and flare dispensers, threat detection capabilities and the ability to refuel inflight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael Washburn/Released)
by Senior Airman Michael Washburn
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
11/19/2012 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFNS) -- Making its Air Force debut, the first combat ready HC-130J Combat King II touched down on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., as the centerpiece of an induction ceremony presided by Col. Jason Hanover, 563rd Rescue Group commander Nov. 15.
The 563rd Rescue Group directs flying operations for the USAF's only active duty rescue wing dedicated to combat search and rescue operations. The new HC-130J aircraft replaces the HC-130P, a 1960's era aircraft currently in use by the 79th Rescue Squadron.
The new plane was welcomed by a formation of 21 Airmen who, upon arrival of the HC-130J, rendered salutes while a crowd waited to participate in the ceremony. The advanced HC-130J is specifically designed for combat search and rescue missions.
"This aircraft means enhanced survivability for our HH-60s and our guardian angels," said Hanover, referring to the team of Airmen and pararescue professionals who serve under the motto "so others may live" and stand ready to deploy on a moment's notice anywhere in the world. The HH-60 helicopters are able to provide comprehensive modern medical care from the injury site while enroute to a distant hospital.
"It means enhanced effectiveness and speed when getting to our isolated personnel when providing lifesaving medical care and support," said Hanover. "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."
Davis-Monthan is honored to receive the very first combat ready J model because of the significant milestone it represents to the rescue and Air Force community.
The upgrades present on the HC-130J that make it so advanced 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.
"This aircraft allows us to update our personal rescue force," said Staff Sgt. Derek Ruud, 923rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. "We'll have better capabilities which will allow us to get our mission done quicker and more effectively."
With D-M receiving the new HC-130Js, the mission ability of the 79th RQS will improve.
"We'll be able to deploy anytime, anywhere and provide 24-hour coverage," Ruud said. "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."
Comments
11/21/2012 10:43:21 AM ET @John- The article does not state the the 563rd is a part of the 355th.
Read Again, here
11/21/2012 3:14:37 AM ET Thanks John. You took the words right out of my mouth.
Sam, Moody AFB
11/20/2012 7:56:47 AM ET Article is a bit misleading. The 563d RQG is a GSU of the 23d WG at Moody AFB. The 23d is the only CSAR wing not the 355th FW.
