Aug. 1, 2025 —
CGNR 2005 flies over Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, Alaska. U.S. Coast Guard file photo by Lt. Cmdr. Scott Handlin.
On July 8, the Coast Guard’s HC-130J fleet marked a major milestone, surpassing 100,000 flight hours since the first HC-130J was delivered to the service in 2003. The landmark achievement was reached when Coast Guard aircraft CGNR 2005, stationed at Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, Alaska, completed a logistics mission supporting mission-critical maintenance operations in the Arctic.
The HC-130J Super Hercules represents the Coast Guard’s premier long-range surveillance and search-and-rescue platform, serving as the backbone of maritime patrol operations across the nation’s border and its maritime approaches. These versatile aircraft conduct critical missions including border security, maritime law enforcement operations and search and rescue. Providing significantly more capability than the HC-130H Hercules fleet that they replaced, the HC-130Js have proven instrumental in extending the Coast Guard’s operational reach, with aircraft capable of conducting missions thousands of miles from their home bases. The platform’s advanced radar systems, electro-optical sensors and communications equipment enable comprehensive maritime domain awareness across vast ocean areas.
Reaching 100,000 flight hours demonstrates the exceptional reliability and operational value of the HC-130J fleet. These aircraft and their crews have saved countless lives, protected U.S. maritime borders and ensured the safety and security of U.S. waters. This milestone reflects the dedication of the acquisition program personnel that missionize and deliver the aircraft to the field and the Coast Guard aircrews, maintenance personnel and support teams who keep these vital assets mission ready.
Currently, the Coast Guard operates a fleet of 17 HC-130J aircraft with two additional aircraft in various stages of production. The 18th aircraft is currently undergoing its missionization effort by L3Harris Integrated Mission Systems in Waco, Texas, with the 19th aircraft in production at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Marietta, Georgia. These industry partnerships are a key factor in continuing to deliver long-range maritime patrol capability that will propel the Coast Guard through the next 100,000 flight hours and beyond.
The Coast Guard will accelerate fleet expansion with the passage of Public Law No: 119-21, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes funding for six additional HC-130J aircraft and the Coast Guard’s first C-130J simulator.
Built by Lockheed Martin, the HC-130J features four Rolls-Royce AE2100D3 turboprop engines and advanced avionics systems that reduce crew workload while enhancing mission effectiveness. The aircraft’s glass cockpit includes Head-Up Displays and advanced navigation systems that improve safety and operational efficiency. The HC-130J's mission endurance of up to 14 hours enables extended patrol operations far from U.S. shorelines, significantly expanding the Coast Guard's surveillance footprint.
For more information: HC-130J Long Range Surveillance Aircraft Program page