The End of an Era: Aircraft Commando Solo Makes Its Final Flight Today
Channel: Keith Hanshaw
Date: 18/09/2022

Some public domain video portions recorded by MSGT Matt Schwartz, 193d SOW

 Introduction: Today is a sad day for those of us who have worked with or followed the Aircraft Commando Solo. The aircraft, which has been in service for over 20 years, made its final flight today. It's hard to believe that this aircraft, which has played such a vital role in our nation's history, is now being retired. 

The EC-130J Commando Solo is a modified C-130J Hercules used to conduct psychological operations (PSYOP) and civil affairs broadcast missions in the standard AM, FM, HF, TV and military communications bands. Missions are flown at the maximum altitudes possible to ensure optimum propagation patterns. The EC-130J flies during either day or night scenarios with equal success, and is air-refuelable. 

The Commando Solo has served our country well, and will be sorely missed. Join us as we bid farewell to this venerable aircraft. 

Today at noon EST, the Aircraft Commando Solo MADE its final flight. The aircraft has been retired after 20 years of faithful service. 

The Commando Solo was first introduced in 2002, and quickly became a valuable asset to the United States military. The aircraft was used for psychological operations (PSYOP) and civil affairs broadcast missions in the standard AM, FM, HF, TV and military communications bands. Missions were flown at the maximum altitudes possible to ensure optimum propagation patterns. The EC-130J flew during either day or night scenarios with equal success, and was air-refuelable. 

The Commando Solo played a vital role in many of the United States' most important military operations over the past two decades. In 2002, the aircraft was used in Operation Iraqi Freedom, broadcasting messages to Iraqi citizens encouraging them to overthrow Saddam Hussein's regime. In 2003, the Commando Solo was used to broadcast   support for coalition troops during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. In 2011, the aircraft was used in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn in Libya. 

The Commando Solo was truly a one-of-a-kind aircraft, and it will be missed by all who had the privilege of working with it. Thank you for your service! 

Thank you for joining us as we bid farewell to the Aircraft Commando Solo! This  
 aircraft has served our country well for over 20 years, and will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of working with it.