U.S. Coast Guard’s new patrol plane lands in Sacramento

The U.S. Coast Guard delivered Air Station Sacramento’s first missionized HC-130J Super Hercules, beginning the replacement of the station’s smaller C-27J Spartan patrol aircraft. Designated CGNR-2018, it is the service’s 18th HC-130J equipped for long-range maritime surveillance, airborne command and search-and-rescue support. The aircraft can cruise at 320 knots, cover about 4,900 nautical miles and remain airborne for more than 20 hours, while sharing sensor information with other forces. A second Sacramento aircraft is expected in spring 2027, with four ultimately planned for the station.