1974: AC-130 H Gunships: Unit receives new mission

  • Published
  • By Dolphin Digest - April 1974
  • 919th Tactical Airlift Group
DUKE FIELD, Fla. --  (Editor's Note: This story is republished as a historic tribute to the 919th Special Operations Wing's Midnight Express newspaper, which goes out of print beginning this month.)

Congressman Bob Sikes announced this week that the 919th Tactical Airlift Group is programmed to convert to ten AC-130 gunships in July 1975 when the unit will be redesignated a Special Operations Group. 

When this occurs the 919th TAGp will take over nearly all of the Air Force's C-130 gunship operations and will be the only Reserve unit of its type in the United States.
As a result Reserve manning will more than double and military construction will again increase significantly. 

"Some positions unique to airlift will have to be eliminated," said Major Ayers. "But, there is plenty of time for people in these career fields to cross-train and there is no need for anyone in our unit to lose his job. In fact, many of our people will now be able to get promotions because of new positions available." 

The unit will require additional Reserve pilots and navigators and enlisted personnel in munitions career fields. Some of the critical career fields include: gunners, munitions maintenance specialists, electronic warfare systems technicians and sensors systems technicians. Especially desired are persons with previous gunship experience. 

Approximately 100 fulltime positions - mostly in operations and maintenance will also be created by the conversion, but these will not be filled until after the unit receives exact manning requirements. The Dolphin Digest will run a complete list of fulltime vacancies as soon as they are available. 

Plans for new facilities have also changed because of the conversion, according to Major Ayers. Headquarters staff will now remain in its current location while only the 711th Tactical Airlift Squadron and the TAC Clinic will move into the new headquarters building.
Another new headquarters building is now programmed for construction along with two munitions storage igloos and a munitions build-up shed. The runway will also have to be resurfaced for the new aircraft. 

Initial training in the new weapons systems is expected sometime between January and March 1975, and will be conducted by the 415th Special Operations Squadron and Hurlburt Field, Fla.