John Wharton is the Manager of the DoD Security Systems Analysis, Design, and Implementation Department at Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM. John is assigned to Sandia’s Security Systems and Technology Center. This center was formed in response to the 1972 Munich Olympics and has been focused on the security of America’s most critical assets ever since. The center is engaged in a myriad of security related research and development projects as well as the analysis and implementation of anti-terrorism, force protection, and physical security system solutions. John is responsible for projects involving the analysis, design, implementation and life cycle sustainment of security systems in support of DoD and DOE. Before assuming his current position, John served as a Technical Team Leader, Principle Member of Technical Staff and Project Leader.
1990-1991, AC-130A Gunship
From Year 1990
To Year 1991
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.
