MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, welcomed the commanding officer's new KC-130J Hercules Sept. 27. The aircraft arrived here fresh from the assembly line at Lockheed Martin in Marietta, Ga., with a custom paint job.

The aircraft's vertical stabilizer is painted black and a "Raiders" logo, designed by former C-130 Marines, is displayed in the high center of the tail. Alphanumeric characters and national star insignias are also highlighted on the aircraft.

"This is unique to the C-130 community," said Nick Dicandia, contract field supervisor, Lockheed Martin. "This is the first time a KC-130J has been painted like this."

Naval air regulations authorize each squadron to paint unit colors and insignias on one of its aircraft. The regulations limit the graphics to covering the tail and no more than 25 percent of the aircraft's fuselage.

Although some paint can cause problems on radar, the paint used on the aircraft will not negatively affect the aircraft's radar signature.

"Different colored paints reflect radar at various rates," said Dicandia, a 57-year-old native of Newport, N.C.. "This paint meets or exceeds military requirements for reflection capability."

However, regulations prohibit aircraft with these graphics from participating in combat operations. Regulations require commanding officers to ensure that camouflage standards are restored before the aircraft operates in hostile environments.

"The colors make the aircraft stand out," said Maj. John M. Koury, maintenance officer, VMGR-352. "You can see it coming from farther away."

The aircraft is restrained from operating in combat operations but is authorized to perform non-combat missions such as air deliveries and refuelings.

"The aircraft will be used for missions not involved in combat areas," said Koury, a 40-year-old native of Cumberland, R.I. "The graphics will prevent this aircraft from going to Iraq."

The squadron plans to display the aircraft during the 2005 Miramar Air Show.

"It can be good for publicity," said Koury. "This KC-130J will be used as a static display so civilians can go inside it and see the aircraft. A crew will also be present to answer any questions."

This aircraft is similar to a mascot for the unit because it will amplify that Miramar is the home of VMGR-352.

"The aircraft will turn some heads," concluded Dicandia. "This makes it unique and identifies the squadron within the wing. It instills pride in the Marines of the unit."