16th SOS

The 16th Special Operations Squadron (16th SOS), known as the "Spectre," was activated in 1968 and is most famous for operating the AC-130 gunship. The unit played a vital role during the Vietnam War, conducting close air support, interdiction, and armed reconnaissance missions, particularly along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Over the decades, the 16th SOS participated in numerous conflicts, including Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, delivering precision firepower and supporting special operations forces worldwide. The squadron was based at Hurlburt Field, Florida, until its inactivation in 2015, with its lineage and mission continuing under other Air Force Special Operations Command units.