The United States Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) carried out the landing of an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship on Highway 63 in Bono, Arkansas, on August 4, 2024.
The mission was part of Emerald Warrior Field Training Exercise II, which showcased the AFSOC’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) capabilities — the ability to operate in challenging and austere environments.
The Special Tactics Airmen from the 1st Special Operations Wing established and secured a landing zone on the five-lane highway, paving the way for a C-146A Wolfhound and an MC-130J Commando II transport aircraft from the 492nd Special Operations Wing to land successfully.
Following the successful landing, the MC-130J crew set up a Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) for the AC-130J to conduct a seamless operation, including refueling, rearming, and taking off again, demonstrating ACE protocols.
“By landing an AC-130J on a highway and conducting FARP, we’re proving our ability to operate in austere and unique environments,” said Colonel Patrick Dierig, Commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing. “It shows our commitment to maintain operational flexibility and readiness, ensuring we can deliver decisive airpower whenever and wherever it’s needed.”
The AC-130J is a heavily armed ground attack aircraft adapted from the C-130 Hercules transport plane. Using two side-firing guns, it is designed for close air support, air interdiction, and armed reconnaissance missions.
The exercise aimed to validate AFSOC’s capability to operate in challenging environments with minimal infrastructure. It marked the first time an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship operated from a road base.
Dating back to the Cold War era, the Agile Combat Employment doctrine has found renewed interest as the return of high-intensity warfare looms. During wartime, dispersed operations allow an air force to complicate enemy targeting by multiplying operating locations using civilian airfields or improvised road bases.
