Old parts equal huge savings

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- The Air Force saved more than $14 million when it retrieved a supply of weapons parts that were given to allies years ago under the Marshall Plan. The modified 40 mm M2 A1 gun parts can be used in AC-130 gunship, and the Air Force Special Operations Command now has enough barrels to last the remainder of the gun's lifecycle on the AC-130. The Greek army retired the weapons in 2005 and they were sitting in a warehouse. The Air Force reclaimed 139 barrels, five breech rings and other miscellaneous parts. In mid-December 2012, the 40-foot shipping container arrived at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. (Source: AFNS, 01/15/13)