Members of the 176th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard,

Members of the 176th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard, prepare the Wing’s newly acquired HC-130J “Combat King II” aircraft to depart Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, June 3. The 176th Wing members traveled to the Lockheed Martin facility in Greenville, South Carolina to take possession of the Air National Guard’s first HC-130J days prior to stopping at Kirtland. This aircraft is the first of four to replace the older HC-130N aircraft operated by the 211th Rescue Squadron, the last of which were transferred to other units at the beginning of the year. According to a USAF factsheet, modifications to the HC-130J include improved navigation, threat detection and countermeasures systems. The aircraft have a fully-integrated inertial navigation and global positioning systems, and night-vision goggle compatible interior and exterior lighting. They also have forward-looking infrared sensors, radar and missile warning receivers, chaff and flare dispensers, satellite and data-burst communications, and the ability to receive fuel in flight via a Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Edward Eagerton/released)