Coast Guard Air Station (CGAS) Elizabeth City is located on the campus of the Coast Guard's Base Elizabeth City. and is one of several commands located on the Coast Guard's premier Base Elizabeth City.Guard to fulfill its maritime patrol, drug and migrant interdiction, disaster response, and search and rescue missions more effectively. The missions of CGAS Elizabeth City include search and rescue (SAR), Maritime Law enforcement, International Ice Patrol, aids to navigation support (such as operating lighthouses), and marine environmental protection (such as responding to oil spills). The Lockheed HC-130 is an extended-range, search and rescue (SAR)/combat search and rescue (CSAR) version of the C-130 Hercules transport, with two different versions operated by two separate services in the U.S. armed forces. The new HC-130J aircraft are derived from the Lockheed Martin KC-130J tanker operated by the U.S. Marine Corps. The HC-130J has a more advanced engine and propellers, which provide a 20 percent increase in speed and altitude, and a 40 percent increase in range over the HC-130H. The new aircraft also features state-of-the-market avionics, including all-glass cockpit displays and improved navigation equipment. The HC-130J’s suite of command, control, communication, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment helps to extend the fleet’s mission capabilities. See more.
Coast Guard Air Station (CGAS) Elizabeth City is located on the campus of the Coast Guard's Base Elizabeth City. and is one of several commands located on the Coast Guard's premier Base Elizabeth City.Guard to fulfill its maritime patrol, drug and migrant interdiction, disaster response, and search and rescue missions more effectively. The missions of CGAS Elizabeth City include search and rescue (SAR), Maritime Law enforcement, International Ice Patrol, aids to navigation support (such as operating lighthouses), and marine environmental protection (such as responding to oil spills). The Lockheed HC-130 is an extended-range, search and rescue (SAR)/combat search and rescue (CSAR) version of the C-130 Hercules transport, with two different versions operated by two separate services in the U.S. armed forces. The new HC-130J aircraft are derived from the Lockheed Martin KC-130J tanker operated by the U.S. Marine Corps. The HC-130J has a more advanced engine and propellers, which provide a 20 percent increase in speed and altitude, and a 40 percent increase in range over the HC-130H. The new aircraft also features state-of-the-market avionics, including all-glass cockpit displays and improved navigation equipment. The HC-130J’s suite of command, control, communication, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment helps to extend the fleet’s mission capabilities. See more.
The 43d Intelligence Squadron was activated on 1 November 2011 by Special Order to support the growing Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance requirements of special operations forces at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. The 43d traces its heritage through the SILENT SHIELD enterprise which was established after the loss of a Ranger during Operation JUST CAUSE and “Born Under Fire” in combat on the eve of Operation DESERT STORM when Air Force Special Operations Command and Electronic Security Command teamed to place specialized equipment and a linguist-operator on COMBAT TALON aircraft to provide immediate and valuable tactical information to aircrews. Today, the air commandos of the 43d fly on every manned AFSOC airframe to provide direct threat warningand enhanced situational awareness as well as precision geo-location and targeting support to joint special operations forces in the air and on the ground. The 43d Intelligence Squadron’s motto “Ventores et Vindices Taciti”, “Silent Hunters and Protectors” is reflective of the squadron’s task to hunt our nation’s adversaries and protect our forces from those who would do them harm. See more.
The Oklahoma Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the highest echelon of Civil Air Patrol in the state of Oklahoma. Oklahoma Wing headquarters are located at Tinker Air Force Base near Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma Wing consists of over 650 cadet and adult members at over 17 locations across the state of Oklahoma. The Oklahoma CAP operates the Cessna 172 Skyhawk, a four-seat, single engine, high wing, fixed-wing aircraft made by the Cessna Aircraft Company. First flown in 1955, more Cessna 172s have been built than any other aircraft. As of 2015, Cessna, and its partners, had built more than 43,000. A Cessna 172 was used in 1958 to set the world record for flight endurance; the record still stands. The basic 172 appeared in November 1955 as the 1956 model and remained in production until replaced by the 172A in early 1960. The 1960 model 172A introduced a swept-back tailfin and rudder, as well as float fittings. The 172P, or Skyhawk P, was introduced in 1981 to solve the reliability problems of the "N" engine. Production of the "P" ended in 1986, and no more 172s were built for eleven years as legal liability rulings in the US had pushed Cessna's insurance costs too high, resulting in dramatically increasing prices for new aircraft. Measured by its longevity and popularity, the Cessna 172 is the most successful aircraft in history. Nationwide, the CAP operates a fleet of over 550 aircraft including the Cessna 182, 206, and the Gippsland GA-8. The Oklahoma Wing performs the three primary missions of the Civil Air Patrol: providing emergency services; offering cadet programs for youth; and providing aerospace education for both CAP members and the general public. See more.
The New Mexico Wing Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the highest echelon of Civil Air Patrol in the state of New Mexico. Its headquarters is located at Kirtland AFB. The Wing consists of 24 squadrons, with the Clovis High Plains Composite Squadron SWR-NM-060 being one. The New Mexico CAP operates the Cessna 172 Skyhawk, a four-seat, single engine, high wing, fixed-wing aircraft made by the Cessna Aircraft Company. First flown in 1955, more Cessna 172s have been built than any other aircraft. As of 2015, Cessna, and its partners, had built more than 43,000. A Cessna 172 was used in 1958 to set the world record for flight endurance; the record still stands. The basic 172 appeared in November 1955 as the 1956 model and remained in production until replaced by the 172A in early 1960. The 1960 model 172A introduced a swept-back tailfin and rudder, as well as float fittings. The 172P, or Skyhawk P, was introduced in 1981 to solve the reliability problems of the "N" engine. Production of the "P" ended in 1986, and no more 172s were built for eleven years as legal liability rulings in the US had pushed Cessna's insurance costs too high, resulting in dramatically increasing prices for new aircraft. Measured by its longevity and popularity, the Cessna 172 is the most successful aircraft in history. Nationwide, the CAP operates a fleet of over 550 aircraft including the Cessna 182, 206, and the Gippsland GA-8. Typical missions include cadet orientation rides, search-and-rescue, communications relay, photography, border patrol, and counter drug. See more.
Strategic Communications Wing One (STRATCOMWING ONE) is a nuclear command and control wing of the United States Navy. Its TACAMO ("Take Charge and Move Out") mission provides airborne communications links to nuclear missile units of United States Strategic Command. The wing's primary mission is to receive, verify and retransmit Emergency Action Messages (EAMs) to US strategic forces. The E-6 Mercury upgraded with the Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS) have also assumed the airborne command post mission for the United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM). Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 4 (VQ-4) has a complement of 78 officers and 426 enlisted personnel. Since 1992, it has operated under Navy Strategic Communications Wing 1 at Tinker Air Force Base. It forward deploys aircraft to fly operational patrols out of NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. The Boeing E-6 Mercury (formerly E-6 Hermes) is an airborne command post and communications relay based on the Boeing 707-320. The E-6B replaced Air Force EC-135Cs in the "Looking Glass" role, providing command and control of U.S. nuclear forces should ground-based control become inoperable. VQ-4 received its first E-6As in January 1991, allowing the EC-130Q to be phased on in June that year. The E-6A was renamed Mercury in autumn 1991 by request of the US Navy. Sixteen were delivered up to 1992. The E-6B is an upgrade to the E-6A. It included a battlestaff area and updated mission equipment. The flight deck systems were later replaced with an off-the-shelf 737 Next Generation cockpit. This greatly increases the situational awareness of the pilot and saves significant cost over the previous custom avionics package. The first E-6B was accepted in December 1997. All 16 E-6A aircraft were modified to the E-6B standard, with the final delivery taking place on 1 December 2006. See more.
The 524th Special Operations Squadron (524SOS) is an Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) unit that operates out of Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. The 524SOS flies a fleet of non-standard transport aircraft in support of special operations. Missions include insertion, extraction and resupply of special operations forces. In keeping with the covert nature of their missions, the squadron's aircraft are painted in civilian-style liveries. The C-146A Wolfhound's primary mission is to provide U.S. Special Operations Command flexible, responsive and operational movement of small teams needed in support of Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOC). Airlift missions are conducted by Air Force Special Operations Command aircrews to prepared and semi-prepared airfields around the world. The C-146A is equipped with a configurable cabin capable of various passenger and cargo combinations, as well as casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) missions. The aircraft can carry a maximum of 27 passengers or 6,000 pounds of cargo, or up to four litter patients. The C-146A is the military version of the Dornier 328 turboprop commuter airliner modified to permit cargo and CASEVAC missions. The aircraft has been continuously deployed since October 2011. It currently supports overseas contingency operations across four geographic combatant commands. See more.
Patrol Squadron Thirty (VP-30), the Pros Nest, is the U.S. Navys Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS). VP-30 was commissioned in June 1960 at NAS Jacksonville, to train flight crews. The future of VP-30 and the Maritime Patrol community is the P-8A Poseidon. The P-8A is the newest intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S. Navys arsenal. It possesses an advanced mission system for maximum interoperability in battle space. Capable of broad-area, maritime, and littoral operations, the P-8A is expected to influence how the U.S. Navy's maritime patrol and reconnaissance forces train, operate, and deploy. The P-8 conducts anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), and shipping interdiction, along with an electronic signals intelligence (ELINT) role. This involves carrying torpedoes, depth charges, SLAM-ER missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and other weapons. It is able to drop and monitor sonobuoys. It is designed to operate in conjunction with the Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton Broad Area Maritime Surveillance unmanned aerial vehicle. During mid-2014, a pair of P-8s were dispatched to Perth, Australia for two months as part of an international search for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. USN P-8s may routinely rotate through bases of allies. The P-8 is a militarized version of the 737-800ERX, a 737-800 with 737-900-based wings. The fuselage is similar, but longer, than the 737-700-based C-40 Clipper transport aircraft in service with the U.S. Navy. The five operator stations (two naval flight officers plus three enlisted Aviation Warfare Operators/naval aircrewman) are mounted in a sideways row, along the port side of the cabin. In U.S. service, the P-8 fleet will be complemented by around 40 MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance system to provide continuous surveillance. See more.
Patrol Squadron 10 (VP-10) is a United States Navy Patrol Squadron based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. Nicknamed the "Red Lancers" it is equipped with the Boeing P-8A Poseidon. It is the third squadron to be designated VP-10, the first VP-10 was redesignated VP-2D15 on 21 September 1927, the second VP-10 was redesignated VP-25 on 1 July 1939. Patrol Squadron TEN (VP-10) is tasked to undertake maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The P-8A is the newest intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S. Navy’s arsenal. It possesses an advanced mission system for maximum interoperability in battle space. Capable of broad-area, maritime, and littoral operations, the P-8A is expected to influence how the U.S. Navy's maritime patrol and reconnaissance forces train, operate, and deploy. The P-8 conducts anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), and shipping interdiction, along with an electronic signals intelligence (ELINT) role. This involves carrying torpedoes, depth charges, SLAM-ER missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and other weapons. It is able to drop and monitor sonobuoys. It is designed to operate in conjunction with the Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton Broad Area Maritime Surveillance unmanned aerial vehicle. During mid-2014, a pair of P-8s were dispatched to Perth, Australia for two months as part of an international search for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. USN P-8s may routinely rotate through bases of allies. The P-8 is a militarized version of the 737-800ERX, a 737-800 with 737-900-based wings. The fuselage is similar, but longer, than the 737-700-based C-40 Clipper transport aircraft in service with the U.S. Navy. The five operator stations (two naval flight officers plus three enlisted Aviation Warfare Operators/naval aircrewman) are mounted in a sideways row, along the port side of the cabin. In U.S. service, the P-8 fleet will be complemented by around 40 MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance system to provide continuous surveillance. See more.
Patrol Squadron EIGHT (VP-8) was commissioned as Patrol Squadron 201 (VP-201) in September 1942 in Norfolk, Virginia. During World War II, VP-201 flew the sea-based PBM Mariner aircraft, combating German submarines that threatened Allied shipping throughout the Atlantic. In June 1947, the squadron completed a homeport change to Quonset Point, Rhode Island and transitioned to the land-based P-2V Neptune aircraft. The squadron was renamed to VP-8 in September 1948, and in October 1962, VP-8 became the first operational P-3 Orion squadron in the U.S. Navy. Patrol Squadron EIGHT (VP-8) is tasked to undertake maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The P-8A is the newest intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S. Navy’s arsenal. It possesses an advanced mission system for maximum interoperability in battle space. Capable of broad-area, maritime, and littoral operations, the P-8A is expected to influence how the U.S. Navy's maritime patrol and reconnaissance forces train, operate, and deploy. The P-8 conducts anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), and shipping interdiction, along with an electronic signals intelligence (ELINT) role. This involves carrying torpedoes, depth charges, SLAM-ER missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and other weapons. It is able to drop and monitor sonobuoys. It is designed to operate in conjunction with the Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton Broad Area Maritime Surveillance unmanned aerial vehicle. During mid-2014, a pair of P-8s were dispatched to Perth, Australia for two months as part of an international search for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. USN P-8s may routinely rotate through bases of allies. The P-8 is a militarized version of the 737-800ERX, a 737-800 with 737-900-based wings. The fuselage is similar, but longer, than the 737-700-based C-40 Clipper transport aircraft in service with the U.S. Navy. The five operator stations (two naval flight officers plus three enlisted Aviation Warfare Operators/naval aircrewman) are mounted in a sideways row, along the port side of the cabin. In U.S. service, the P-8 fleet will be complemented by around 40 MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance system to provide continuous surveillance. See more.
The 86th Military Airlift Squadron (86th MAS) was assigned to the 60th Military Airlift Wing (60th MAW), Military Airlift Command, stationed at Travis AFB, California. The 86th MAS upgraded to C-141 Starlifter in 1967 and routinely flew cargo and personnel to and from Travis AFB to aerial ports in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. After the US withdrawal from Southeast Asia in 1975, the 86th MAS flew C-141s on a worldwide basis. The squadron was inactivated in 1978 during the post-Vietnam USAF drawdown; however, it was reactivated in 1979, continuing C-141 airlift missions. The original Starlifter model, designated C-141A, entered service in April 1965. It could carry 154 passengers, 123 paratroopers or 80 litters for wounded with seating for 16. It was soon discovered that the aircraft's volume capacity was relatively low in comparison to its lifting capacity; it generally ran out of physical space before it hit its weight limit. To correct the perceived deficiencies of the original model and utilize the C-141 to the fullest of its capabilities, the entire fleet of 270 in-service C-141As were stretched, adding needed payload volume. These modified aircraft were designated C-141B. It was estimated that this stretching program was equivalent to buying 90 new aircraft, in terms of increased capacity. The aircraft remained in service for over 40 years until the USAF withdrew the last C-141s from service in 2006. See more.
The Cessna A-37 Dragonfly, or Super Tweet, is an American light attack aircraft developed from the T-37 Tweet basic trainer in the 1960s and 1970s by Cessna of Wichita, Kansas. The A-37 was introduced during the Vietnam War and remained in peacetime service afterward. The growing American military involvement in Vietnam in the early 1960s led to strong interest in counter-insurgency (COIN) aircraft. In late 1962, the U.S. Air Force's Special Air Warfare Center at Eglin Air Force Base's Hurlburt Field in Florida evaluated two T-37Cs for the role. After the war, the USAF passed their A-37Bs from the USAF Tactical Air Command (TAC) to TAC-gained units in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. In the early 1980s these aircraft were assigned to the FAC (Forward Air Control) role and given the designation OA-37B. See More.
The 9th Special Operations Squadron (9SOS) is part of the 27th Special Operations Wing (27SOW) at Cannon AFB, New Mexico. It operates MC-130J Commando II aircraft in support of special operations. The mission of the 27SOW includes infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces; air refueling of special operations rotary wing and tiltrotor aircraft; and precision fire support. These capabilities support a variety of special operations missions including direct action, unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, personnel recovery, psychological operations and information operations.The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft built by Lockheed. Capable of takeoffs and landings from unprepared runways, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport aircraft. The versatile airframe has found uses in a variety of other roles, including as a gunship, for airborne assault, search and rescue, scientific research support, weather reconnaissance, aerial refueling, maritime patrol and aerial firefighting. It is the main tactical airlifter for many military forces worldwide. Over 40 models and variants of the Hercules serve with more than 50 nations. The MC-130J Commando II flies clandestine or low visibility, low-level missions into politically sensitive or hostile territory to provide air refueling for special operations helicopters. The MC-130J primarily flies its single- or multi-ship missions at night to reduce detection and intercept by airborne threats. Secondary mission capabilities include airdrop of small special operations teams, small bundles, and zodiac and combat rubber raiding craft; as well as night-vision goggle takeoffs and landings, tactical airborne radar approaches and in-flight refueling as a receiver. The MC-130J Commando II can fly in the day against a reduced threat, however, crews normally fly night, low-level, air refueling and formation operations using night-vision goggles. To enhance the probability of mission success and survivability near populated areas, crews employ tactics that include incorporating no external lighting or communications, and avoiding radar and weapons detection. See More.
Helicopter Maritime Strike Seven Four (HSM-74), the "Swamp Foxes", is a United States Navy helicopter squadron based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida. HSM-74 is attached to Carrier Air Wing Three and deploys aboard cruisers, destroyers, frigates, and aircraft carriers in support of a carrier strike group. The squadron employs the MH-60R multi-mission helicopter. Primary missions include Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (SUW), Command, Control, Communications (CCC), Command and Control Warfare (C2W), Mobility (MOB), and Non-Combat Operations (NCO). Secondary missions consist of Search and Rescue (SAR), Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC), Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP), Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS), and Communications Relay (COMREL). The MH-60R was originally known as "LAMPS Mark III Block II Upgrade" when development began in 1993. The MH-60R is designed to combine the features of the SH-60B and SH-60F. Its sensors include the ASE package, MTS-FLIR, the AN/APS-147 multi-mode radar/IFF interrogator, an advanced airborne fleet data link, and a more advanced airborne active sonar. It does not carry the MAD suite. Offensive capabilities are improved by the addition of new Mk-54 air-launched torpedoes and Hellfire missiles. All Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light (HSL) squadrons that receive the Romeo are redesignated Helicopter, Strike Maritime (HSM) squadrons. See More.
