9th Air Commando

• Formation and Role: The 9th Air Commando Squadron was activated in March 1967 at Hurlburt Field, Florida, as part of the U.S. Air Force's Special Operations forces, with a primary mission of psychological warfare, unconventional warfare, and support for special operations in Southeast Asia. • Aircraft Operated: The squadron primarily flew the Douglas C-47 "Skytrain" and later the AC-47 "Spooky" gunship, equipped with side-firing Gatling guns for close air support and ground attack missions. • Operation Ranch Hand: The 9th Air Commando played a role in defoliation missions during the Vietnam War, spraying herbicides like Agent Orange to remove jungle cover used by enemy forces. • PsyOps Missions: The unit was notable for psychological operations, including leaflet drops and broadcasting messages over loudspeakers to demoralize enemy troops and encourage surrender. • Distinguished Service: Members of the 9th Air Commando Squadron received numerous awards for valor, including the Air Force Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, and multiple Air Medals for their actions in combat. • Night Operations: The squadron was famous for its "Spooky" gunship night missions, providing illumination with flares and devastating firepower to defend outposts and support ground troops under attack. • Call Sign "Spooky": The AC-47s operated by the squadron were nicknamed "Spooky"—a call sign that became synonymous with the deadly and effective gunship missions over Vietnam. • First Gunship Unit: The 9th Air Commando was among the first USAF units to operationally employ the gunship concept in combat, pioneering tactics that would be used by later aircraft like the AC-130. • Support to MACV-SOG: The squadron frequently provided air support to covert MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group) missions deep behind enemy lines. • Inactivation and Legacy: The squadron was inactivated in 1969, but its lineage and history live on through modern-day Air Force Special Operations units, commemorating its innovative and courageous service.