MC-130E Combat Talon

A MC-130E Combat Talon I aircraft pictured during an aircraft retirement ceremony. MC-130Es were modified C130 transport aircraft designed for special operations duties. Flown by the Air Commandos of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) Special Operations Squadrons, MC-130Es have supported U.S. Special Operations Forces operations around the globe. This particular MC-130E was the lead aircraft for Operation Ivory Coast, the attempted rescue of American prisoners of war from a compound near Son Tay in North Vietnam in 1970.