[Milsurplus] "Radio operator" on HC-130P

[Brian Bjerkelund]

Clete sez:


> We're not talking about a civilian airliner that only talks
> to the company office and air traffic control.  Two reasons
> why the C-130 carried a radio operator, first, the mission
> may have required a radio operator, and second, when
> flying time is limited it's a good idea to fill every seat that
> goes up.  And, was the "radio operator" operating radios,
> or was that his/her job title?

The C-130 in question was a Rescue aircraft belonging to the 939th Rescue 
Wing based in Portland.  The primary mission of the wing was rescue of 
aircrew down behind enemy lines but they also supported civilian rescues of 
all types.....just for practice.  They worked with all services and civilian 
agencies and most likely had more comms capability than the normal cargo 
aircraft, hence had a real radio operator that a cargo aircraft wouldn't 
require.  The wing was in demand because they had air refueling capabilities 
to support the Blackhawk rescue helicopters.  They could and did perform 
rescues hundreds of miles out in the Pacific....the last one I recall was 
for a crewmember of a foreign freighter.

Sorry I can't be more specific regarding their comms capabilities.....I 
spent 15 years in the 939th but was kept busy repairing weapons, running the 
rifle range, teaching basic antiterrorism, guarding the base after 9/11, 
etc, etc.  They kicked me out two years ago when I reached age 60.

The 939th was converted to an Air Refueling Wing (with KC-135s) several 
years ago and is now closing with the latest BRAC efforts.  I miss it.....

Brian, K7AIS
MSgt, Retired