The AC-130J Ghostrider’s operational test unit—Det. 2 of the 1st Special Operations Group—was activated in a ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Fla., last week, officials announced. “Our mission is crystal clear: Get it right. That way, whoever follows behind me can stand up here and say, ‘all policies and procedures will remain in effect,’?” detachment commander Lt. Col. Brett DeAngelis said at the July 9 ceremony. The detachment is charged with training the initial aircrew and developing tactics, employment methods, and standards for Air Force Special Operations Command’s next generation gunship, according to a release. Operational testing and evaluation was delayed by four months to this October due to integration issues and additional tests added after an inflight incident last year. The AC-130J prototype has been grounded since April since a second inflight mishap during a test hop at the time. The aircraft is expected to remain grounded until the investigation is complete. AFSOC plans to recapitalize its legacy fleet with 37 new-build AC-130Js.
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