250911-F-PO972-1502

A U.S. Air Force weapon systems officer assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing dons a helmet to prepare for a live-fire exercise near Hurlburt Field, Florida, Sept. 11, 2025. The training sharpened the crew’s ability to employ the Ghostrider in close air support missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Raul Mercado)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
250911-F-QE874-1198

A U.S. Air Force special missions aviator assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing inspects the 35mm GAU-23 cannon on an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship during live-fire training over Hurlburt Field, Florida, Sept. 11, 2025. Live-fire training prepares crews to integrate with ground forces and deliver decisive firepower when called upon. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ty Pilgrim)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
250911-F-PO972-1322

A U.S. Air Force weapon systems officer assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing boards an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Sept. 11, 2025. The crew conducted live-fire training to maintain readiness and precision in close air support operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Raul Mercado)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
250911-F-PO972-1665

A 105mm howitzer cannon ejects 105mm shell casings on an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship near Hurlburt Field, Florida, Sept. 11, 2025. The live-fire training enhanced the crew’s proficiency in utilizing the Ghostrider’s weapons systems during close air support missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Raul Mercado)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
250911-F-QE874-1220

A U.S. Air Force weapon systems officer assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing participates in live-fire training on an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship over Hurlburt Field, Florida, Sept. 11, 2025. The training prepares crews to integrate with ground forces and deliver decisive firepower when called upon. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ty Pilgrim)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
250911-F-QE874-1192

A U.S. Air Force special missions aviator assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing prepares to load a round into the 105mm howitzer cannon during live-fire training on an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship over Hurlburt Field, Florida, Sept. 11, 2025. Live-fire training enhances the wing’s ability to provide responsive and lethal airpower any time, any place. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ty Pilgrim)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Air Commandos participate in AC-130J live-fire training

Published Sept. 16, 2025
By SrA Ty Pilgrim & A1C Raul Mercado
1 Special Operations Wing

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --

Air Commandos from the 1st Special Operations Wing conducted AC-130J Ghostrider live-fire training at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Sept. 11, 2025. The training sharpened crews’ ability to deliver precision firepower, integrate with ground forces and remain ready to support special operations missions worldwide.

250911-F-PO972-1502

250911-F-QE874-1198

250911-F-PO972-1322

250911-F-PO972-1665

250911-F-QE874-1220

250911-F-QE874-1192