I hear that constantly changing the name of different sections on your publication is a good thing…anyway, let’s get to the updates
Lynden Air Cargo Stops By Pine Gap
A Lynden Air Cargo Lockheed C-130 (N406LC) was tracked operating in Australia, continuing a pattern of flights in the region since at least January 20, 2025. Much of its activity has involved runs between Cairns (YBCS) in the northwest of the continent and Toowoomba (YBWW) which is near Brisbane. However, a run to Perth stood out for one reason in particular.
On February 22, N406LC departed Cairns and made a stop at Alice Springs Airport (YBAS) before continuing on to Perth. Alice Springs is notable because of its proximity to Pine Gap, the seldom discussed U.S.-Australian intelligence facility in the middle of The Outback. While there’s no direct confirmation of its involvement with Pine Gap, the facility’s role in SIGINT, satellite operations, and military coordination makes any nearby movements by a civilian-contracted C-130 worth noting.
On its return leg (February 23), the aircraft flew directly from Perth back to Cairns, bypassing Alice Springs. Given Lynden’s established history of supporting U.S. military and government logistics, the nature of this mission remains an open question—whether routine resupply, contractor transport, or something more specific.
Tracking link: ADSB Exchange – N406LC
Algorithmic Complacency
A recent YouTube video (linked below) explores how algorithm-driven content consumption is altering cognitive processes. At the beginning of the video, there’s an exercise highlighting how easy it is for people to find information online with minimal context despite many people thinking the opposite.
I decided sometime last week (cough two weeks ago cough) that I wanted to include this video in Update 004, mainly because the TTPs (tactics, techniques, and procedures) discussed in opening of this video apply to OSINT but also, because I scoffed at the opening exercise. That helped me realize finding things with minimal information is second nature to me. Sometimes I take this ability for granted.
I was surprised to find the same video in a weekly roundup of the most highlighted content from across the Readwise community. It seems that I’m not the only one who sees the value in this video.
What is Readwise you ask? Well to quote the video in question:
“So long as you can see this image, you have everything you need on your screen right now to get all that information and much more in less than a minute. That is, if you know where and how to look.”
Two Beaches
As mentioned in Sunday Update 003, keeping an eye on civilian-operated CASA CN-235s is an ongoing area of interest. This past week, N10180, a CASA CN-235-300 registered to Two Beaches LLC, was tracked making a stop at Destin Executive Airport (KDTS).
Flight tracking data shows N10180 traveling from Smithfield Johnston Regional (KJNX) to Destin before returning to Johnston. While the reason for this trip remains unclear, it’s worth noting that Destin Executive is in close proximity to Eglin Air Force Base, home to a variety of U.S. military test, evaluation, and special operations units. Johnston Regional has its own history (think N313P) that may be touched upon in the future.
Two Beaches LLC remains a somewhat opaque entity, with little publicly available information on its ownership or operational purpose. Given that the CASA CN-235 has been a platform of interest for special operations and covert transport, this aircraft’s movements continue to be worth tracking.
Tracking link: ADSB Exchange – N10180
We Broke the First ATHENA Trip (Sort Of, But Not Really)
L3Harris confirmed via Twitter/X that their ATHENA-R aircraft has been deployed to South Korea. The announcement came with a link to Breaking Defense, which covered the deployment in more detail.
“We’re proud to support the @USArmy w/ the deployment of the ATHENA-R aircraft to the Republic of South Korea, enhancing ISR capabilities and strengthening our commitment to global defense.”
For those keeping track, this deployment is the same that we highlighted in Sunday Update 002, tracking the first movements of the ATHENA-R platform before any official acknowledgment. While this isn’t exactly a “scoop,” it does reinforce the value of open-source intelligence (OSINT) in spotting major developments before they make it to the press.
A Unique 737 BBJ Has Found A New Home
The Boeing 737-7HJC(WL) BBJ with the serial number 36756 and line number 2405, is a notable aircraft with a distinctive configuration and a rich operational history.
Delivered in December 2007 to the United States Department of Defense (DoD), this particular 737 BBJ is configured as a “Combi” or Combination. Combis are designed to transport both passengers and cargo simultaneously with the addition of a main deck cargo door (see below) and other cargo modifications to an aircraft otherwise outfitted for passenger transport. Such configurations are relatively rare and offer flexibility for various mission requirements.
The aircraft was initially registered N529PP before it was re-registered to N737AT (Still under DoD ownership).
The aircraft would change hands to Hillwood Airways in 2017 and subsequently Eastern Air Express after Eastern Air Holdings acquired Hillwood and its assets in 2023 in order to rebrand them into Eastern Air Express. (See The Complicated History of The Trump-Vance Campaign Jet for some more info on Hillwood/Eastern.)
Less than a year later, in April of 2024, N737AT would be withdrawn from use, eventually being stored at Chennault International Airport (KCWF) after changing hands to Ireland’s Mint Aero. It would eventually be relocated to Abu Dhabi.
In November of 2024 it was re-registered as A6-RJK and delivered to Royal Jet. Royal Jet is known for offering premium private jet services. It will be interesting to see how this 737 BBJ’s unique configuration fits in with their diverse operational needs going forward.
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