An HC-130P Combat King rescue tanker joined the heritage airpark at Moody AFB, Ga., representing one of the base’s important, but previously absent, missions on display. The aircraft, serial number 65-0988, was “part of eight different rescue squadrons over the years,” said 23rd Wing Historian Kenneth Sloat in a base release. It deployed for “most major conflicts” since 1966, including a tour during the Vietnam War, “and has definitely earned its position” in the airpark, added Sloat. The Air Force retired this HC-130P from Moody’s 71st Rescue Squadron in 2013 as part of the 23rd Wing’s transition to the HC-130J. It wasn’t displayed initially because the Air Force used its wings for still-operational aircraft. “The wings needed to be replaced … but the base was short,” said airpark custodian SSgt. Jordan Keller. Moody plans to eventually display an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter to round out the rescue presence by 2018, states the June 12 release. The HC-130 joined the airpark in May.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.