Moody’s HC-130P/N Combat Kings complete Talisman Saber 2009

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Several HC-130P/N Combat Kings from Moody recently returned after participating in a joint exercise between the Australian and United States air, land and maritime forces.

Talisman Saber 2009, a two-week exercise organized by the U.S. Pacific Command and Australian Defense Force, focused on enhancing operational and tactical capabilities for Combined Task Force operations.

"The exercise was a huge success because we accomplished all the training we wanted," said Capt. Kyle Porter, 71st Rescue Squadron and organizer of the exercise. "We also had an opportunity to train and work together with our sister services as well as our coalition partners."

In addition to training, the team learned invaluable lessons that they took home to their squadrons.

"We learned the importance of communication and information flow," said Capt. Aaron Griffith, 71st RQS exercise commander. "We also learned to be flexible at times when you don't necessarily have the time or equipment."

Approximately 53 Airmen from the 71st Rescue Squadron, 347th Operations Support Squadron and 723rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron supported the three HC-130P/N Combat Kings during the exercise.

"I want to thank Airmen from the supporting squadrons who worked very hard during the exercise," said Captain Porter. "They demonstrated how the 23rd Wing is a premier unit and their outstanding performance reflected on the wing."

The exercise included more than 10,000 Australian land and naval forces and 20,000 U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps servicemembers, training in both Australia and the United States.

"It was really an eye opening experience to interact with the different cultures," said Captain Griffith. "I enjoyed getting to know the Australians, sharing tactics and observing how they manage their force."

Talisman Saber is held bi-annually across six locations in northern and central Australia, the Coral Sea, and in Honolulu, Denver and Suffolk, Va.

"The exercise helped everyone understand what we could bring to the fight," said Captain Griffith. "It's extremely important to push involvement in these kinds of exercises because we want to show that the Flying Tigers are an essential piece of the pie. We hope to participate in exercises similar to this in the future."