Crestview gets gunship work

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – Lockheed Martin will modify two MC-130J aircraft to turn them into AC-130J gunships. The work, which will cost around $20 million, will be done at Bob Sikes Airport near Crestview. Right now two planes will be modified, but the Air Force Special Operations Command plans to modify 33 aircraft in coming years. The AC-130J is designed to provide close air support for ground troops and air interdiction roles such as strike coordination and reconnaissance. It's being developed to replace the AC-130H, AC-130U and AC-130W gunships. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 07/22/15)