A CG workhorse, the C-130 "Hercules", roars out over Gulf of Mexico, in search for the source of flares seen in the distance. The bend of the palm tree leaves & the white caps of the surf, with a foreboding sky above shows it is certainly not a calm day. The HC-130 Hercules is a long-range surveillance and transport, fixed-wing aircraft that is used to perform maritime patrol, search and rescue, and logistical support.