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Released: May 6, 2003

Another Hercules joins D-M inventory

By Tech. Sgt. B. Coors-Davidson
355th Wing Public Affairs

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.