The Fulton surface-to-air recovery system (STARS or 'sky hook' system) was a reteval system used by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), United States Air Force and United States Navy for retrieving people from ground locations by using aircraft such as the HC-130E Combat Talon I. It involved the person on the ground using an overall-type harness attached to a self-inflating balloon which carried a strong attached 'lift line'. A aircraft like a HC-130E engages the thick, durable, line and hooks it up with its V-shaped yoke and the individual is reeled on board.