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Released: May 6, 2003 Another Hercules joins D-M
inventory
By Tech. Sgt. B. Coors-Davidson
355th Wing Public Affairs
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(File photo) The HC-130P deploys worldwide to provide combat search and rescue
coverage for U.S. and allied forces. Combat search and rescue missions include
flying low-level, preferably at night aided with night vision goggles, to an
objective area where aerial refueling of a rescue helicopter is performed or
pararescuemen are deployed. The secondary mission of the HC-130P is peacetime
search and rescue. HC-130P aircraft and crews are uniquely trained and
equipped for search and rescue in all types of terrain including artic,
mountain, and maritime. Peacetime search and rescue missions may include
searching for downed or missing aircraft, sinking or missing water vessels, or
missing persons. The HC-130P can deploy parascuemen to a survivor, escort
helicopter to a survivor, or airdrop survival equipment to a survivor. (Air
Force photo by Master Sgt. Steven Turner) |
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (ACCNS) -- There's a new kid on the
block on Davis-Monthan's flight line.
It's the first of 11 HC-130 Hercules aircraft assigned to the 79th Rescue
Squadron.
This aircraft arrived April 25 from Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., to take its
place in the 355th Wing's new combat search and rescue mission.
At first glance, the aircraft may look like dozens of other C-130s along the
parking ramp, but a closer inspection reveals the subtle differences that make
this Hercules so unique.
Absent are the telltale antennas that mark the EC-130, a common sight here.
Instead, the HC-130 has an unusual pod mounted on each wing, just past the
outboard engines.
"It's these pods that make the HC-130 so special," said Lt. Col. Craig Knierim,
a 79th RQS navigator. "They're refueling pods that give us the capability to
gas up our HH-60 helicopters flying into enemy territory to perform the search
and rescue mission."
The HC-130 crews train to sneak into enemy territory as low as 500 feet using
the terrain as cover.
"We try to be anywhere hostile forces wouldn't look for us," Colonel Knierim
said.
In addition to its refueling mission, the HC-130 can drop pararescue forces
directly to downed aircrews or wounded American forces so they can begin
life-saving medical treatment while the rescue helicopters are en-route.
One member of the 79th Maintenance Squadron has been eagerly awaiting the
arrival of the HC-130. Airman 1st Class Nicholas Storey, a crew chief, has
been watching rescue operations of American forces on the news and is ready to
do his part in making the 79th RQS ready to deploy, although it could be up to
a year until the unit is worldwide ready.
"Maybe in a year or so, I'll be on a plane that rescues somebody," he said.
"It could be my plane out there flying that I fix and maintain that will be
able to pick someone up."
The 79th RQS provides rapidly deployable combat search and rescue forces to
theater commanders worldwide. It operates and tactically employs the HC-130,
and over the next three years the unit will expand to about 150 people and 11
aircraft.
Although new to Davis-Monthan, the 79th RQS began its service in 1952 at
Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, where it served in the Korean War. The unit was
based at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., from 1993 until it was deactivated
in 1998, and was reactivated under D-M's 355th Operations Group March 14.
The 79th RQS will realign under Air Force Special Operations Command effective
Oct. 1. For full story, see
http://www.af.mil/media_center/Apr-Jun2003/0430036.shtml.
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