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Category: Heritage

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

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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)

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