Test exercise explores first-time command and control on HC-130J

Published Sept. 17, 2024
By 1st Lt. Rebecca Abordo
53rd Wing Public Affairs

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Kyle Bone, Mission System Operator command manager, assigned to Air Mobility Command Headquarters, Scott Air Force Base (AFB), discusses command and control tactics, training and procedures with Air Battle Managers and Weapons Directors during Bamboo Eagle 24-3 at Nellis AFB, Nevada, Aug. 6, 2024. Airmen on this aircraft provided Red Air C2 operations during Bamboo Eagle 24-3. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Josey Blades)

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The 422d Test and Evaluation Squadron’s Command and Control (C2) Division expanded their test support initiatives by integrating Tactical C2 and Battle Management capabilities with a HC-130J Combat King II assigned to the 418th Test and Evaluation Squadron for the first-time during Exercise Bamboo Eagle 24-3, August 5-9.

In a shift from typical operations, the 53rd Wing supported the 57th Wing “Aggressors” to enhance the training opportunities of Bamboo Eagle. Although positioned as the adversaries in the exercise, this role offers a unique opportunity to test experimental capabilities C2 methods that could eventually benefit the U.S. Air Force.

With support from Air Mobility Command’s communication resources, the 422 TES C2 Division and 418 TES converted an HC-130J and an AMC-provided C-130J into alternative Tactical C2 platforms. Operational Test Airmen then used these platforms to command and control the adversary “Red Force” operations during the exercise.

“Our mission was to connect and enable the Red Force of Bamboo Eagle, which allowed for flexibility and creativity since we were not beholden to the normal methods of executing the mission,” said Maj. Paden Allen, 422 TES Assistant Director of Operations. “However, we believe our work can provide lessons learned that can inform future requirements and tactics for the USAF, answering problems identified by leadership from AMC, Air Combat Command and Indo-Pacific Command.”

Although the combined team successfully used Tactical C2 from an HC-130J, this integration marks just the beginning of a broader effort. Participating Airmen are now exploring ways to further combine the Tactical C2 and Battle Management missions with Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operations, which currently exist only at the operational level within an Air Operations Center.

Integrating C2 systems into the HC-130J is expected to significantly improve rescue and escort coordination, enhancing support for personnel recovery efforts.

“By evolving the HC-130J into a multi-mission platform with integrated TAC-C2 capabilities, we enhance our ability to fill critical gaps and streamline operations,” said Maj. Kyle Trafton, an HC-130J weapons officer assigned to the 418th TES. “Disrupting enemy capabilities and enhancing Combat Air Force lethality serves as a form of preventative rescue, reducing the risk to friendly forces and the need to recover isolated personnel in the first place.”

Members of the 422d TES also collaborated with controllers aboard a KC-46 assigned to the 305th Air Mobility Wing to test and field C2 equipment. This effort helped accomplish C2 functions in conjunction with the AMC Roll-On Beyond Line-of-Sight Enhancement kit, ROBE, which allows near-real-time communications with any headquarters across the globe.

“It’s most important to have a platform-agnostic solution for C2, allowing our suite of systems and communications to be used in any vehicle, whether air or ground,” said Tech. Sgt. Thomas Reeves, 422d TES C2 Division section lead. “This flexibility provides a higher degree of situational awareness and enables us to perform tasks like directly feeding high-priority targets, while ensuring our communities can adapt quickly when plans change.”

During the exercise, the 422d TES tested various capabilities against scenarios designed to evaluate the effectiveness of C2 systems in real-world conditions.

“The HC-130J’s evolution from a dedicated rescue platform to a versatile multi-mission asset reflects our shift toward multi-capable Airmen and platforms, enhancing our effectiveness in the face of Great Power Competition,” said Trafton. “By leveraging past lessons, we’re continually refining tactics to meet future challenges with unmatched adaptability and resilience.”

This test event offered a unique chance to explore Tactical C2/Battle Management and CSAR integration in a real-world environment for the first time, with the goal of building on the lessons learned and advancements made during Bamboo Eagle 24-3.