First American AC-130J Ghostrider to Arrive in the Philippines.

An AC-130J Ghostrider was sent by the US Air Force's 1st Special Operations Wing (1st SOW) to the Philippines.

During Balikatan, U.S. Airmen from the 1st Special Operations Wing fly the AC-130J Ghostrider in live-fire training missions at Subic Bay Airport in Subic Bay, Philippines.

This was the first instance of the "Ghostrider" operating and deploying simultaneously in the nation.

For the first time in the Philippines, an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship from the United States Air Force provided close-air support training for a joint U.S.-Filipino squad.

The Ghostrider was deployed from Kadena Air Base, Japan to the Philippines and was assigned to the 73rd Special Operations Squadron based at Hurlburt Field, Florida. It was tasked with firing its 30mm and 105mm cannons on targets that were reported by combat controllers from Kadena's 320th Special Tactics Squadron and joint terminal attack controllers from the 710th Special Operations Wing of the Philippine Air Force.

The close-air support live-fire training enhanced the two countries' combined capabilities and showed the extent of U.S. power in a challenging and realistic setting. SOF resources.

According to Technical Sgt. Cody Troxel, an AC-130J Ghostrider special missions aviator with the 1st SOW, this exercise prepared Airmen for a career in any type of tropical environment. Operating in a hot, muggy atmosphere presents a variety of obstacles. Participating in training with the Philippine Armed Forces aids in the development of future standard operating procedures.