Two HC-130Ps deployed downrange last week in what is expected to be the final Active Duty Combat King deployment before the Air Force transitions to the new HC-130J Combat King II. The two aircraft, serial Nos. 64-4860 and 65-0982, left Moody AFB, Ga., March 21, along with 33 airmen from the 23rd Wing, in support of operations in Air Forces Africa, states a March 25 release. Of the 37 HC-130Js the Air Force plans to acquire, nine will be based at Moody. (See also Moody Gets First HC-130J.)
F-35As from the Vermont Air National Guard have deployed to Puerto Rico in recent days, continuing a major buildup of U.S. Air Force assets in Latin America aimed at combating drug trafficking and pressuring the regime of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
