130th Rescue Squadron Overview
The 130th Rescue Squadron (130 RQS) is a vital unit of the California Air National Guard operating under the 129th Rescue Wing. It is stationed at Moffett Federal Airfield in Mountain View, California. This elite squadron is equipped with the HC-130J Combat King II aircraft, specifically designed for combat search-and-rescue missions.
Establishment and Structure
Established on October 1, 2003, by the Air Force Special Operations Command, the 130th RQS was formed as part of a re-organization of Air National Guard rescue units. This restructuring aimed to create separate squadrons for fixed-wing, helicopter, and pararescue operations within the 129th Rescue Wing. The 129th Operations Group oversees all three squadrons, including the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter unit (129th Rescue Squadron) and the pararescue flight (131st Rescue Squadron). The 130th RQS received its first of four HC-130J Combat King II aircraft on April 6, 2018.
Operational Role
In combat environments, the 130th RQS operates under the direction of the overall theater combatant commander and the theater’s commander of air forces. The primary mission of the squadron is to conduct personnel recovery operations, which includes the rescue of downed airmen or isolated personnel from hostile territory. Furthermore, the squadron is tasked with various collateral missions, such as:
- Noncombatant Evacuation Operations
- Inter- and Intra-theater Airlift
- Support of Special Operations Forces
Domestic Operations
When not deployed in a combat theater, the 130th Rescue Squadron plays a crucial role in responding to state emergencies, providing assistance during natural disasters, and supporting civil authorities in law enforcement. Additional missions include:
- Non-combat Search and Rescue (SAR)
- Emergency Aeromedical Evacuations
- Humanitarian Relief Efforts
- International Aid Missions
- Counter-Drug Activities
- Support for NASA flight operations
Deployment History
The 130th RQS has been actively involved in major military operations, supporting both Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan as part of the Global War on Terrorism.
Key Facts
- Designated: 130th Rescue Squadron
- Allotted to: California ANG, 2003
- Extended Federal Recognition: October 1, 2003
- Assigned to: 129th Operations Group
- Station: Moffett Federal Airfield, Mountain View, California (Deploys Worldwide)
- Equipment: HC-130J Combat King II
References
This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency.