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

[Edward J White]

Question: why is there a "radioman" on a modern airplane?
On some C-130's the mission might be a RC-130 ( spook) where there are several radio operators. On most C-130 there is no place for a radio operator on the flight station. The crew is  2 Pilots, 1 Engineer, and 1 Navigator. all on the flight deck and in the cargo area a Loadmaster.
And about running out of fuel. The engineer is responcible for fuel useage / monitoring . This is one of his main duties while inflight. 
Ed White MSgt Ret
Flight Engineer C97G, C-130A, C-5A, C-141A/B.