AC-130J to load, fire 105mm for first time

The AC-130J Ghostrider gunship is a highly modified C-130J aircraft, and fourth generation gunship that contains advanced features. The primary missions of the AC-130J are close-air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance. The close-air-support missions include troops in contact, convoy escort and point-air defense. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Isaac O. Guest IV)

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AC-130J to load, fire 105mm for first time

Staff Sgt. Steven Salazar, a communication navigation journeyman with the 1st Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, conducts a pre-flight inspection of an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Sept. 6, 2016. Pre-flight inspections are performed to ensure the aircraft and its systems are in good condition to fly and perform the mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Isaac O. Guest IV)

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AC-130J to load, fire 105mm for first time

Tech. Sgt. Johnny Hooker, an aerial gunner with the 1st Special Operations Group Detachment 2, loads 105 mm rounds into a container on an AC-130J on Hurlburt Field, Fla., Sept. 6, 2016. The AC-130J crew conducted live-fire training of the 105 mm cannon for the first time since receiving the aircraft for operational testing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Isaac O. Guest IV)

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AC-130J to load, fire 105mm for first time

Tech. Sgt. Johnny Hooker, an aerial gunner with the 1st Special Operations Group Detachment 2, hands a 105 mm round to Staff Sgt. Derek Watson, an aerial gunner with 1 SOG Det. 2, for inspection during a weapons load at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Sept. 6, 2016. Each handler inspects the overall condition of the round before it is loaded. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Isaac O. Guest IV)

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AC-130J to load, fire 105mm for first time

Staff Sgt. Oscar Garcia, an aerial gunner with the 1st Special Operations Group Detachment 2, watches as munitions systems specialists with the 1st Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron bring 30 mm rounds to be loaded onto an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Sept. 6, 2016. The AC-130J is modified with the Precision Strike Package, which includes a mission management console, robust communications suite, two electro-optical/infrared sensors, advanced fire control equipment, precision guided munitions delivery capability as well as trainable 30mm and 105mm weapons. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Isaac O. Guest IV)

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AC-130J to load, fire 105mm for first time

Staff Sgt. Joshua Thorn, an aerial gunner with the 1st Special Operations Group Detachment 2, loads 30 mm rounds onto an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship at Hurlburt Field, Fla. Sept. 6, 2016. The AC-130J is modified with the Precision Strike Package, which includes a mission management console, robust communications suite, two electro-optical/infrared sensors, advanced fire control equipment, precision guided munitions delivery capability as well as trainable 30mm and 105mm weapons. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Isaac O. Guest IV)

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AC-130J loads 105mm for first time

Tech. Sgt. Johnny Hooker and Staff Sgt. Oscar Garcia, aerial gunners with the 1st Special Operations Group Detachment 2, conduct pre-flight inspections of a 105 mm weapon system onboard an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Sept. 8 2016. Pre-flight inspections are performed to ensure the aircraft and its systems are in good condition to fly and perform the mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Isaac O. Guest IV)

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105mm loaded on AC-130J

Published Sept. 13, 2016
By Airman 1st Class Isaac O. Guest IV
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- The AC-130J Ghostrider gunship is a highly modified C-130J aircraft, and fourth generation gunship that contains advanced features. The primary missions of the AC-130J are close-air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance. The close-air-support missions include troops in contact, convoy escort and point-air defense. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Isaac O. Guest IV)

AC-130J to load, fire 105mm for first time

AC-130J to load, fire 105mm for first time

AC-130J to load, fire 105mm for first time

AC-130J to load, fire 105mm for first time

AC-130J to load, fire 105mm for first time

AC-130J to load, fire 105mm for first time

AC-130J loads 105mm for first time