First AC-130W to record combat kill is now retired as ground instructional trainer at Sheppard AFB

The first AC-130W gunship to record a combat kill, # 1303, has been flown to its final home at Sheppard AFB, Texas whereby it will become a ground instructional trainer for ammo and armament students in the 363rd Training Squadron as well as crew chief student in the 362nd Training Squadron.

An AC-130W Stinger II gunship, Tail No. 1303, takes off on the runway at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., for its final flight prior to retirement Oct. 19, 2020. As a gunship, Tail No. 1303 made its claim to fame by being the first gunship to record a combat kill on Feb. 9, 2011. It then went on to achieve another milestone by having the distinction of being the first 105mm cannon-installed whiskey to confirm a 105mm kill in December of 2016. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Luke Kitterman)

The aircraft was received from the Lockheed-Martin factory Jun. 6, 1989, with the original nickname of ‘City of Hurricane.’

It recorded its first combat kill on Feb. 9, 2011 and on December 2016, it became the first AC-130W to score a combat kill with the 105mm cannon.

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