MC-130J Commando 2 - 9th SOS

A MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 9th Special Operations Squadron (9th SOS) taxis on the runway at Melrose Air Force Range during Emerald Warrior 2015.

Visible in a turret under the MC-130J's nose is the AN/AAS-52(V) FLIR/EO sensor suite.

The AN/AAS-52(V) is a Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS) that incorporates electro-optical (EO) cameras and a Forward-looking Infrared (FLIR) sensor.

This sensors package enables the MC-130J Commando to operate at low level in low-light and night conditions.

The 9th SOS is part of the 27th Special Operations Group (27th SOG) and operates out Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico.

It previously was part of the 1st SOG and flew MC-130P Combat Shadows out of Hulbert Field, Florida.

In 2014 the 9th SOS transferred to the 27th SOG and the MC-130P fleet was retired from service.