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5d ago

Air Force Reserve Returns to AC-130J Gunship Operations With First Operational Training Flight

Total Force Integration pairs 711th SOS crews with active-duty aircraft to grow proficiency toward full operational capability.

An AC-130J Ghostrider gunship assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing taxis after landing at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Oct. 9, 2025. The aircraft flew a mission marking the 711th Special Operations Squadron's first gunship flight since its transition to the platform, a move reinforcing the 919th SOW's partnership with active-duty AC-130J aircrews. (All images credit: USAF/Airman 1st Class Samantha Rossi)
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Overview

  • On Oct. 9, 2025, a 711th Special Operations Squadron crew flew an AC-130J from Hurlburt Field for the unit’s first operational training sortie in decades.
  • The aircraft belonged to the active-duty 1st Special Operations Wing, demonstrating integrated Reserve–Active operations on the Ghostrider.
  • Commanders said near-term priorities include training to proficiency, expanding maintenance depth, and participating in joint exercises to reach full operational capability.
  • The flight restores a mission the 919th Special Operations Wing last performed with AC-130A Spectres from 1975 to 1995, reviving the wing’s gunship heritage.
  • Earlier live-fire training in Alaska by Reserve aircrew on an active-duty AC-130J showcased weapons employment and highlighted complex logistics, including moving munitions to austere ranges.