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A 4th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, performs pre-flight checks on an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Oct. 23, 2024. The 4 SOAMXS conducts pre-flight and post-flight flightline tasks, including inspections, repairs, and minor modifications. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Raul Mercado)

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U.S. Airmen, assigned to the 4th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, tow an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship after a wash at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Oct. 23, 2024. The 4 SOAMXS is responsible for maintenance on the AC-130J, ensuring the gunship is always mission ready. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Raul Mercado)

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241023-F-PO972-1172

A U.S. Airman, assigned to the 4th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, prepares a tie-down strap after loading ammunition on board an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Oct. 23, 2024. These tie-down straps are crucial for securing equipment, ensuring the safety and readiness of our forces as they execute their vital missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Raul Mercado)

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A U.S. Airman, assigned to the 4th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, conducts a pre-flight visual inspection of the props on an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Oct. 23, 2024. The 4 SOAMXS plays a critical role in ensuring the AC-130J is always mission-ready, poised to support operations and safeguard our nation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Raul Mercado)

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U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Eduardo Falcon, a 1st Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels apprentice, prepares to fuel an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Oct. 23, 2024. The gas tanker truck used has a maximum capacity of 6,000 gallons and can pump fuel at a rate of 600 gallons per minute. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Raul Mercado)

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A U.S. Airman, assigned to the 4th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, prepares to connect pre-conditioned air units to an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Oct. 23, 2024. Air units help maintain a comfortable cabin environment, especially in hot or humid weather and protect sensitive equipment from extreme temperatures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Raul Mercado)

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Weapons technicians assigned to the 4th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, load ammunition on an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Oct. 23, 2024. The 30mm cannon on board the AC-130J can fire up to 200 rounds per minute. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Raul Mercado)

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241023-F-PO972-1368

A U.S. Airman, assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron, inspects a landing gear door on an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Oct. 23, 2024. Members of the 4th SOS, alongside the 4th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, perform visual inspections on gunships before all flights. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Raul Mercado)

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U.S. Airmen, assigned to the 4th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, watch flightline operations ensuring everything runs smoothly during pre-flight tasks at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Oct. 23, 2024. The 4 SOAMXS is comprised of crew chiefs, avionics, weapons technicians and support personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Raul Mercado)

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A 4th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief stands by to marshal an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Oct. 23, 2024. The AC-130J is a versatile aircraft that can be used for a variety of missions, including close-air support, special operations and maritime operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Raul Mercado) (This photo has been altered for security purposes by blurring out aircraft sensors)

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The maintainers behind the AC-130J

Published Oct. 30, 2024
By Airman 1st Class Raul Mercado

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --

U.S. Airmen, assigned to the 4th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, conducts a pre-flight visual inspection of the props on an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Oct. 23, 2024. The 4 SOAMXS plays a critical role in ensuring the AC-130J is always mission-ready, poised to support operations and safeguard our nation.

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