919th SOW Ushers in New Chapter, Returns to Its Gunship Roots

  • Published
  • By Liz Easterling
  • 919th Special Operations Wing
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla --  

The 711th Special Operations Squadron began a new era of combat readiness during a change of command and mission conversion-ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Florida, July 11, 2025.

Aircrew from the 919th Special Operations Wing conduct pre-flight checks of an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship before takeoff at Hurlburt Field, Florida, July 9, 2025. The wing’s mission is evolving and now includes an operational AC-130J squadron based at Hurlburt Field, marked by a ceremony held July 11, 2025. The Reserve flew the AC-130 gunship for two decades and nearly 30 years later, it resumes its role as mission partners with active duty aircrew and maintainers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. James Wilson.)

Aircrew from the 919th Special Operations Wing conduct pre-flight checks of an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship before takeoff at Hurlburt Field, Florida, July 9, 2025. The wing’s mission is evolving and now includes an operational AC-130J squadron based at Hurlburt Field, marked by a ceremony held July 11, 2025. The Reserve flew the AC-130 gunship for two decades and nearly 30 years later, it resumes its role as mission partners with active duty aircrew and maintainers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. James Wilson.)
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“This transition shows the strategic depth the Reserve offers to the warfighter,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Barry, 919th Special Operations Group commander and presiding officer. “Our members have a long history of being highly trained and ready to execute the mission when called upon. This legacy of service makes the 919th Special Operations Wing the perfect complement to the gunships already formidable capabilities.”

During the ceremony, Lt. Col. John Duke relinquished command of the 711th SOS to Lt. Col. Jason Fox, with Air Commandos, squadron alumnus and community partners in attendance to honor the unit’s rich heritage.

The event comes as the 711th SOS undertakes a major transformation transitioning to an operational AC-130J Ghostrider gunship mission and moving from Duke Field, Florida to nearby Hurlburt Field. The AC-130J Ghostrider is renowned for its precision strike capabilities, advanced avionics, and versatile firepower.

The move reinforces the wing’s partnership with active-duty AC-130J aircrews and reunites the unit with Reservists performing aircraft maintenance, ensuring seamless Total Force Integration. 

U.S. Air Force Reserve Col. Matthew Barry, 919th Special Operations Group commander, passes the guidon to Lt. Col. Jason Fox, incoming 711th Special Operations Squadron commander, during a change of command ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Florida, July 11, 2025. In addition to the change of command, the event marked the squadron’s transition to an operational AC-130J Ghostrider gunship mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Liz Easterling)

U.S. Air Force Reserve Col. Matthew Barry, 919th Special Operations Group commander, passes the guidon to Lt. Col. Jason Fox, incoming 711th Special Operations Squadron commander, during a change of command ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Florida, July 11, 2025. In addition to the change of command, the event marked the squadron’s transition to an operational AC-130J Ghostrider gunship mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Liz Easterling)
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“What the men and women of the 711th have done over the last 12 years as combat aviation advisors is nothing short of extraordinary,” Duke said. “They took on missions in some of the most complex environments in the world—building stability, strengthening partnerships, and representing the very best of what our Air Force can be. I’m proud of what we accomplished and confident this next chapter will honor that legacy.”

During his command of the 711th SOS, Duke helped oversee the final chapter of the wing’s C-145A Combat Coyote operational mission, which included aviation foreign internal defense and special operations mobility training. That legacy now sets the foundation for the unit’s return to gunship operations. 

The transition marks a return of the AC-130 gunship mission to the 919th SOW. From 1975 - 1995, the 919th SOW flew the AC-130A Spectre gunship, supporting combat operations and NASA launch missions across the eastern U.S.