CENTCOM Ghostriders

A U.S. Air Force combat systems officer from the 73rd Special Operations Squadron showcases a 105 mm cannon on an AC-130J Ghostrider to U.S. service members at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, June 28, 2023. The tour was open to all U.S. service members at AUAB and showcased how the 73rd SOS from Hurlburt Field, Florida, contributes to the mission within the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leon Redfern)

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CENTCOM Ghostriders

U.S. service members tour an AC-130J Ghostrider assigned to the 73rd Special Operations Squadron at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, June 28, 2023. The tour, open to all U.S. service members at AUAB, showcased how the 73rd SOS from Hurlburt Field, Florida, contributes to the mission within the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leon Redfern)

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CENTCOM Ghostriders

U.S. service members from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing tour an AC-130J Ghostrider assigned to the 73rd Special Operations Squadron, at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, June 28, 2023. The tour, open to all U.S. service members at AUAB, showcased how the 73rd SOS from Hurlburt Field, Florida, contributes to the mission within the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leon Redfern)

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CENTCOM Ghostriders

A U.S. Air Force sensor operator from the 73rd Special Operations Squadron, demonstrates how to operate a sensor aboard an AC-130J Ghostrider at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, June 28, 2023. The sensor operator and weapon system operator are stationed side by side, working together to control the 30 mm and 105 mm cannons on the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leon Redfern)

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CENTCOM Ghostriders

A special missions aviator from the 73rd Special Operations Squadron showcases the 30 mm cannon on an AC-130J Ghostrider to U.S. service members at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, June 28, 2023. Over the past four decades, AC-130s have deployed to hotspots throughout the world in support of special operations and conventional forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leon Redfern)

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CENTCOM Ghostriders

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Morgan Nelson, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing protocol distinguished visitor lodging manager, explores the pilot seat of an AC-130J Ghostrider assigned to the 73rd Special Operations Squadron at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, June 28, 2023. Each AC-130J crew consists of two pilots, one combat systems officer, one weapon system operator, one sensor operator and four special missions aviators. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leon Redfern)

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CENTCOM Ghostriders

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Morgan Nelson, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing protocol distinguished visitor lodging manager, and Tech. Sgt. LaRue Naea, 379th AEW protocol superintendent, tour the flight deck of an AC-130J Ghostrider assigned to the 73rd Special Operations Squadron at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, June 28, 2023. The tour was open to all U.S. service members at AUAB and showcased how the 73rd SOS from Hurlburt Field, Florida, contributes to the mission within the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility. The 73rd SOS was the first AC-130J squadron activated on Feb. 23, 2018. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leon Redfern)

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CENTCOM Ghostriders

Published July 18, 2023
By Senior Airman Leon Redfern
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar --

The 73rd Special Operations Squadron from Hurlburt Field, gave AUAB personnel an inside look at the AC-130J Ghostrider. Designed for close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance, the AC-130J provides ground forces an expeditionary, direct-fire platform with 30 mm and 105 mm cannons. Grand Slam Wing members toured the aircraft to see how the 73rd SOS contributes to airpower within the U.S. Central Commands area of responsibility.