Previously Held AFSC/MOS 53470-Airframe Repair Technician
75170-Education Supervisor
Service Years
1971 - 1988
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
What are you doing now:
I am still serving my country as the Chief, Force Development Flight, 2d Force Support Squadron, 2d Mission Support Group/2d Bomb Wing/Air Force Global Strike Command at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. In my flight I have multiple functions to include; The Education and Training Center, Airman Leadership School, the First Term Airmen Center, Wing Career Advisor and the Base Library.
I've bee retired from active duty since 1 September 1988 and began working in Federal Civil Service the next year. I've earned two Master's degrees and I've taught for Central Texas College and Louisiana Tech University.
1972-1972, AC-130A Gunship
From Year 1972
To Year 1972
Personal Memories
Not Specified
Image
AC-130A Gunship Details
Aircraft/Missile Information
The AC-130 Gunship first arrived in South Vietnam on 21 September 1967 under the Gunship II program, and began combat operations over Laos and South Vietnam that year. By 30 October 1968, enough AC-130 Gunship IIs arrived to form a squadron. The 16th Special Operations Squadron (SOS), of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) were activated on the above date at Ubon AB, Thailand.
By December 1968 most AC-130s were flown under F-4 escort from the 479th TFS (Tactical Fighter Squadron), normally three Phantoms per Gunship. In late 1969, under the code name of "Surprise Package", 56-0490 arrived with solid state laser illuminated low light level TV with a companion YAG laser designator, an improved forward looking infrared (FLIR) sensor, video recording for TV and FLIR, inertial navigation, and a prototype digital fire control computer. Surprise Package was equipped with the latest 20 mm Gatling guns and 40 mm Bofors cannon, but no 7.62 mm close support armament. Surprise Package was refitted with upgraded similar equipment in the summer of 1970, and then redeployed to Ubon RTAFB. Surprise Package served as a test bed for the avionic systems and armament for the AC-130E. In the summer of 1971, Surprise Package was converted to the Pave Pronto configuration, and assumed its new nickname, Thor.