Reserve Special Operations Mission Realigns For Future Warfighting Capabilities Published April 7, 2025 By Liz Easterling 919th Special Operations Wing DUKE FIELD, Fla. -- The 919th Special Operations Wing is making a significant move as it transitions one of its warfighting missions to the AC-130J Ghostrider and relocates one of its flying squadrons and aircraft maintenance functions from Duke Field, Fla., to Hurlburt Field, Fla. The move represents a major milestone in the wing’s storied lineage transforming for future operations while taking it back to its roots as an operational gunship unit supporting global operations. “The 919th has a long and storied history as an agile, flexible fighting force,” said Col. Scott Hurrelbrink, 919th Special Operations Wing, commander. “Transitioning back to our roots with the AC-130J mission allows us to expand our capabilities and bring our deep operational experience to deter, defend and, if necessary, defeat aggression from adversaries Any Time…. Any Place.” The relocation of the 711th Special Operations Squadron, 919th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 919th Special Operations Maintenance Squadron to Hurlburt Field allows the wing to strengthen its partnership with the Active Duty AC-130J aircrews and aircraft maintainers. The units will fly and maintain the Ghostrider which provides close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance. Known for its precision firepower and close air support capabilities, the AC-130J brings enhanced avionics, sensor systems, and weapons that will allow the 919th SOW to continue its legacy of excellence. One of the initial missions for the 919th Special Operations Group was flying the AC-130A Spectre gunship aircraft from 1975-1995. During this period, the 919th provided close air support, armed interdiction and reconnaissance while also providing range clearing support for missile launches at Cape Canaveral and the NASA Space Shuttle in northeast Florida. The unit became a special operations wing in August 1992 and has supported Air Force Special Operations Command in a variety of missions to present day. “Our aircrew and support specialists are excited to get back to our AC-130 roots and embark on these new missions,” said Lt. Col. William Palmatier, 919th Special Operations Group, deputy commander. “The Ghostrider is an incredibly capable aircraft, and our team is eager to bring expertise to this platform as value-added mission partners with our Active-Duty counterparts.” The move will be completed in phases, with Initial Operational Capability expected in fall 2026 and Full Operational Capability by mid-2028. The transition not only enhances the 919th SOW’s operational effectiveness but also ensures that the Air Force Special Operations Command maintains a force that is ready to respond to emerging threats. “Our Citizen Air Commandos will demonstrate, once again, that they are ready for this moment,” said Hurrelbrink. “The transformation taking place will allow the 919th SOW to remain a highly capable fighting force that leverages the extensive skills and experience within the wing for decades to come.” With this move, the 919th SOW is positioning itself for the future, reinforcing its role as a lethal, adaptable, and mission-ready force capable of executing the Air Force’s most demanding special operations missions.