AFSOC receives final AC-130J

Air Force Special Operations Command received its 31st and final AC-130J Ghostrider, completing the command's transition from the legacy AC-130W, AC-130U and AC-130H fleets.

Following a commemoration ceremony at the Lockheed Martin Gunship Modification Facility in Crestview Nov. 2, the final AC-130J was delivered to the 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico.

During the AC-130J Ghostrider dedication and delivery ceremony, Lt. Col. Joe Allen, Gunship Program manager and narrator for the event, briefly discussed the history of nose art and how it became a common way of depicting the name of an airplane. He also explained how pilots would stencil names or call signs on their aircraft, providing a sense of connection and further a feeling of pride for themselves and the crew that kept the airplane flying.

"Aircraft #31 is no different [than previous World War II aircraft] and is being named in honor of Mr. Stan 'Sluggo' Siefke who was instrumental in the developments of the precision strike package prior to cutting first metal on the MC-130W," said Allen. "Sluggo's impacts on Whiskey and Ghostrider have been nothing short of outstanding and we are honored to have him in attendance today."

Members of the US Air Force leadership team listen as speakers talk about the AC-130J Ghostrider at the dedication and delivery ceremony Nov. 2, 2022, at Bob Sikes Airport in Crestview, Florida. The AC-130J is a fifth-generation gunship that provides close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance. — Members of the U.S. Air Force leadership team listen as speakers talk about the AC-130J Ghostrider at the dedication and delivery ceremony Nov. 2, 2022, at Bob Sikes Airport in Crestview, Fla. The AC-130J is a fifth-generation gunship that provides close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael Charles)

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