Combat King makes final flight through Moody skies

  • Published
  • By Airman Alexis Grotz
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Moody welcomed home HC-130P Combat King, tail number 65-0988, for the last time as it returned from its final flight coming from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., March 16.

After nearly 50 years of service, the HC-130 is scheduled to retired on March 25. Instead of joining the other legacy HC-130P aircraft at the aircraft boneyard on Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Ariz., aircraft 65-0988 will be displayed at the President George W. Bush Air Park at Moody Field in the near future.

"This aircraft was chosen to stay here at Moody because of its significant history and accomplishments," said Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Leemon, 71st Aircraft Maintenance Unit superintendent.

Starting as one of the first aircraft for in-flight helicopter refueling in the 1960s, it later became one of the three first HC-130Ps to deploy to Pakistan from Moody in support of the global war on terrorism in September 2001.

"My fondest memory would have to be the remarkable work that this aircraft has done and just being part of the history and checking to make sure that everything is in working order," said Leemon, who worked on the aircraft previously in his career.

The HC-130P has been an effective aircraft for many years. Each aircraft has a predicted lifecycle, and the model is nearing the end.

A total of four HC-130Ps are scheduled to retire from Moody in fiscal 2013. Replacing them will be new HC-130J models, which are designed to fly longer distances at one time.

"The HC-130J model has a newer airframe in order to help sustain the mission," said Master Sgt. Aaron Black, 71st Aircraft Maintenance Unit production superintendent.

As Moody begins to parts ways with the historical aircraft, it prepares for the future and continues on with the mission.