First HC-130J delivered to Alaska Guard

Lockheed Martin has delivered the first of four HC-130J Combat King II aircraft to the Alaska Air National Guard (AK ANG).

The new aircraft will be operated by the 211th Rescue Squadron (RQS), 176th Wing stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

The four HC-130J Combat King II aircraft will replace legacy HC-130Ps previously operated by the 211th RQS. The new aircraft will support personnel recovery missions in Alaska and the Pacific Theatre and act as aerial refuellers for the Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk search and rescue helicopters.

The HC-130J can perform airdrop, airland, helicopter air-to-air refuelling and forward-area ground refuelling missions. It also supports humanitarian aid operations, disaster response, security cooperation/aviation advisory, emergency aeromedical evacuation and non-combatant evacuation operations.

George Shultz, vice president and general manager, Air Mobility and Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin, said: ‘The delivery of this HC-130J Combat King II represents a new era for both the Air National Guard and the Alaska Guard. This aircraft provides the increased capabilities and enhanced performance that is essential for these airmen to support their search and rescue mission.’

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