The AC-130U Spooky II and its crews have been deployed constantly for nearly two decades.
“I came onboard with the ‘Spooky’ gunships in 1997 so I’ve been with them most of my career.” Cartier flew the AC-130U to its final resting spot at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base from Hurlburt Field, Fla. (Air Force photograph by Airman 1st Class Jacob T. The AC-130U’s armament includes a 25mm Gatling gun, as well as 40mm and 105mm cannons. “There’s no telling how many lives of friendly ground forces it has saved over its time in service.” An AC-130U “Spooky” Gunship retires to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Airz., Aug. Brenda Cartier, Director of Operations for Air Force Special Operations Command. “This aircraft has provided tons of close air support,” said Brig. The primary function of this aircraft was close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance.
The AC-130 has a rich history that includes support of military operations in Vietnam, Panama and Iraq as well as performing in many combat missions since it was fielded in the late 1960’s. This aircraft was the last AC-130U with its guns still installed and one of the very last to retire altogether. The last armed AC-130U “Spooky” gunship, tail number 513, retired to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Aug.
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