Getting to know the 79th Rescue Squadron

A U.S. Air Force HC-130J Combat King II from the 79th Rescue Squadron drops a Humvee during the 563rd Operations Support Squadron’s aerial delivery and recovery training at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., Dec. 9, 2015. This training marked the first time any rescue operations support squadron packaged and rigged a heavy vehicle without external assistance and the first time a heavy vehicle was dropped by the 79th RQS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chris Massey)

HC-130J COMBAT KING II

Current as of December 1, 2025

MISSION
The HC-130J is the only fixed-wing platform in the Air Force inventory modified for dedicated Personnel Recovery operations. It is an extended-range version of the C-130J Super Hercules. The Combat King II provides the capability to rapidly deploy and execute global search and rescue operations to austere environments and denied territory.

Additionally, it facilitates all weather personnel recovery operations to include airdrop, air-land, tanker and receiver air-to-air refueling, non-traditional ISR, forward area ground refueling, and Combat Search and Rescue Coordinator (CSAR-C) missions.

FEATURES
Modifications to the HC-130J have improved the aircraft’s navigation, communication, threat detection, and countermeasures systems. It is equipped with forward-looking electro-optical/infrared sensor with video datalink capabilities along with satellite and data-burst communication.

Robust threat countermeasure systems allows the aircraft to operate in a hostile environment. Additionally, the ability to receive fuel inflight via a Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation allows extended range and endurance.