MC-130: Low and dark over the Indo-Pacific

A U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing sits on the flight line before takeoff at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 31, 2026. The Commando II specializes in low visibility flying, low-level infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special operations forces in sensitive or hostile environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton) (This photo has been altered for security purposes)

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MC-130: Low and dark over the Indo-Pacific

A U.S. Air Force loadmaster assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing performs preflight checks before takeoff at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 31, 2026. The Commando II specializes in low visibility flying, low-level infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special operations forces in sensitive or hostile environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

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MC-130: Low and dark over the Indo-Pacific

A U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II pilot assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing performs preflight checks before takeoff at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 31, 2026. The Commando II specializes in low visibility flying, low-level infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special operations forces in sensitive or hostile environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton) (This photo has been altered for security purposes)

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MC-130: Low and dark over the Indo-Pacific

A U.S. Air Force loadmaster assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing performs preflight checks before takeoff at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 31, 2026. Vital to Air Force special operations, loadmasters are responsible for safely managing cargo, passengers, and combat systems during high stakes missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton) (This photo has been altered for security purposes)

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MC-130: Low and dark over the Indo-Pacific

A U.S. Air Force loadmaster assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing performs preflight checks before takeoff at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 31, 2026. Loadmasters execute a wide range of duties, including air refueling, aerial delivery, and personnel infiltration and exfiltration. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton) (This photo has been altered for security purposes)

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MC-130: Low and dark over the Indo-Pacific

A U.S. Air Force loadmaster assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing performs preflight checks before takeoff at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 31, 2026. Vital to Air Force special operations, loadmasters are responsible for safely managing cargo, passengers, and combat systems during high stakes missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton) (This photo has been altered for security purposes)

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MC-130: Low and dark over the Indo-Pacific

A U.S. Air Force loadmaster assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing sits on the ramp of an MC-130J Commando II during low level maneuvers over Fukuoka, Japan, March 31, 2026. The Commando II specializes in low visibility flying, low-level infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special operations forces in sensitive or hostile environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

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MC-130: Low and dark over the Indo-Pacific

A U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing performs low level maneuvers over Fukuoka, Japan, March 31, 2026. The Commando II primarily flies missions at night to reduce probability of visual acquisition and intercept by airborne threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

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MC-130: Low and dark over the Indo-Pacific

Two U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando IIs assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing perform low level maneuvers over Fukuoka, Japan, March 31, 2026. The MC-130J primarily flies missions at night to reduce probability of visual acquisition and intercept by airborne threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

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MC-130: Low and dark over the Indo-Pacific

U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando IIs assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing, taxi after landing at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 1, 2026. The MC-130J primarily flies missions at night to reduce probability of visual acquisition and intercept by airborne threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

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MC-130: Low and dark over the Indo-Pacific

Published April 1, 2026
By Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --

U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando IIs assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing perform low level maneuvers over Fukuoka, Japan, March 31 - April 1, 2026. The MC-130J primarily flies missions at night to reduce probability of visual acquisition and intercept by airborne threats.