LATEST UPDATES

The Coast Guard’s HC-130J fleet marked a major milestone on July 8, 2025, surpassing 100,000 flight hours since the first HC-130J was delivered to the service in 2003. Reaching 100,000 flight hours demonstrates the exceptional reliability and operational value of the HC-130J fleet. 

The Coast Guard accepted delivery of its 18th C-130J long range surveillance aircraft on Jan. 30, 2025, from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Marietta, Georgia. The aircraft was delivered in its baseline form; in March it will enter a year-long process to outfit it with the specialized equipment needed to conduct the Coast Guard’s varied missions. 

The Coast Guard’s 17th missionized HC-130J long range surveillance aircraft was delivered to Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina, on Dec. 18, 2024. The year-long missionization process was completed by L3Harris in Waco, Texas.

Video: HC-130H Departure Marks End of an Era