71st RQS deploys first HC-130J

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ryan Callaghan
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The 71st Rescue Squadron marked Moody history by deploying two HC-130J Combat King II aircraft for the first time, Nov. 27.

The HC-130J, which is deployed alongside more than 60 aircrew, support, and maintenance personnel, brings a new set of capabilities to the airspace in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, where it will be used for personnel recovery: ensuring U.S. personnel do not become isolated.

"It's the start of another era," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Gary Symon, 71st RQS director of operations. "We flew the P-model aircraft here for about 15 to 16 years, throughout multiple deployments, and now it's this new aircraft's turn."

Replacing the HC-130P/N model aircraft, the HC-130J features improved navigation, threat detection and countermeasure systems, among other additions. It has been at Moody since July 2013.

"The previous aircraft were built in the early 1960s," Symon continued. "There's been significant technological improvement. They can fly faster, they can fly higher, they can carry more and they burn about 10 percent less fuel, so it's much more efficient. Additionally, this aircraft is capable of air to air refueling, provides heavy equipment airdrop and has improved sensors on it for personnel recovery."

Equally as important to the mission as having the best possible aircraft is having the people to support it, Symon said.

"They're trained and ready to go," Symon said. "Every single one of the individuals here has worked very hard over the last couple of months to get themselves combat-mission ready and prepared to go downrange and prove these capabilities."

Senior Airman Darius Washington, 71st RQS aviation resource manager, displayed the confidence of preparedness by simply saying, "It feels good to be a part of the first deployment."