The EC-130 was originally modified using the mission electronic equipment from the EC-121 Coronet Solo[?]. Soon after the 193rd SOG received its EC-130s, the unit participated in the rescue of US citizens in Operation Urgent Fury, acting as an airborne radio station informing those people on Grenada of the US military action. Commando Solo was instrumental in the success of coordinated psychological operations in Operation Just Cause, again broadcasting continuously throughout the initial phases of the operation to help end the Manuel Noriega regime. Most recently, in 1994, Commando Solo was utilized to broadcast radio and television messages to the citizens and leaders of Haiti during Operation Uphold Democracy[?].
The EC-130s deployed early in the operation, highlighting the importance of PSYOP in avoiding military and civilian casualties. President Aristide was featured on the broadcasts which contributed significantly to the orderly transition from military rule to democracy. In 1990 the EC-130 joined the newly formed Air Force Special Operations Command and has since been designated Commando Solo, with no change in mission. This one-of-a-kind aircraft is consistently improving its capabilities. The next few years should see continued enhancements to the EC-130 and its worldwide mission.
Highly specialized modifications have been made to the latest version of the EC-130 (Commando Solo). Included in these mods are enhanced navigation systems, self-protection equipment, and the capability of broadcasting color television on a multitude of worldwide standards through out the TV VHF/UHF ranges. The ABCCC is an Airborne Battlefield Command and Control Center[?] used as an airborne command post. Last, but not least, Compass Call is an airborne communications jamming platform. It was used extensively in the Gulf War disrupting Iraqi communications at both the strategic and tactical levels.
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