A contingent of pararescuemen and rescue support personnel left Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., for the Horn of Africa on Tuesday. The combat search and rescue airmen, assigned to the 306th Rescue Squadron, will augment Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa CSAR personnel recovery using assets already in theater, according to the base’s Jan. 14 release. “Your presence in the Horn of Africa will make a difference to those in harm’s way because they’ve got the best to back them up,” said Col. Harold Maxwell, commander of the 306th RQS’ parent 943rd Rescue Group. Air Force HC-130s, HH-60s, and Guardian Angels routinely provide US and coalition forces with personnel recovery and humanitarian aid capabilities operating out of Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
‘Angry Kitten’ EW Pod Tested on Search-and-Rescue HC-130
April 17, 2026
The Air Force recently tested its “Angry Kitten” electronic warfare pod on an HC-130J during Exercise Bamboo Shield, showing the pod can turn the rescue platform into a command-and-control node and protect it from enemy radars.The tests follow what could be the pod’s first use in combat after it was…