Combat Kings depart for Talisman Saber

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Moody's Combat Kings deployed to Australia for their first time to participate in one of the largest multinational exercises in the world.

Talisman Saber is a biennial joint exercise between the Australian and United States air, land and maritime forces. It is designed to enhance operational and tactical capabilities for Combined Task Force operations.

"This exercise is a great opportunity to demonstrate the worldwide capabilities that the 23rd Wing provides to many areas on a daily basis," said Colonel Gary Henderson, 23rd Wing commander. "Talisman Saber will specifically allow our rescue forces to integrate with many other participants that have not seen all that we offer.

"Making contacts in the various theaters and other military services allows us to build relationships and be more effective when we work together now and in the future. It all goes back to the 'train like you fight' adage."

Approximately 53 Airmen from the 71st Rescue Squadron, 347th Operations Support Squadron and 723rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron departed Moody to support the three HC-130P Combat Kings.

"My role during the exercise is to authorize flight orders and organize the activities of aircrew and parachutists," said Senior Airman Iyonna Sneid, 71st RQS aviation resource management. "I'm prepared to do whatever I can to help with the mission."

The various scenarios during the exercise will include parachute drops, amphibious landings, artillery and infantry maneuvers, air combat training and advanced maritime operations.

"I look forward to sharing tactics and techniques as well as building relationships with our allies," said Capt. Kyle Porter, Moody's leader planner for the exercise. "I'm also excited to learn and operate in an unfamiliar environment because it will broaden our knowledge and capabilities.

"The Pacific area of responsibility is very large so the HC-130 is a critical rescue asset," he added. "This exercise allows us to simulate rescue operations so we are better able to save downed aviators and isolated personnel."

The Combat King is an extended-range, combat search and rescue version of the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. Its mission is to extend the range of combat search and rescue helicopters by providing air refueling in hostile or contested airspace if required.

Secondary mission capabilities include performing tactical delivery via airdrop or airland of pararescue specialist teams, small bundles, zodiac watercraft, or four-wheel drive all-terrain vehicles and to provide direct assistance to survivors in advance of a recovery vehicle.

"It's an awesome opportunity for the Combat Kings to showcase U.S. Air Force capabilities and work closely with our allies and joint service brethren to increase their capacity," said Colonel Henderson. "Hopefully, this will be the beginning of a partnership that could grow to include other unit participation in the Wing."