In a groundbreaking event, the U.S. Air Force successfully landed an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship on a public highway in Bono, Arkansas, on August 4, 2024. This extraordinary feat was part of the Emerald Warrior Field Training Exercise II, a large-scale exercise designed to showcase the Air Force Special Operations Command's (AFSOC) Agile Combat Employment (ACE) capabilities.
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The exercise involved a C-146A Wolfhound, an MC-130J Commando II, and the AC-130J Ghostrider, all of which landed on Highway 63 in Bono. The Special Tactics Airmen from the 1st Special Operations Wing established and secured a landing zone on the highway, paving the way for the successful landing of the aircraft.
Following the landing, the MC-130J crew set up a Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP), demonstrating the ability to conduct rapid refueling and rearming of aircraft in austere environments. The AC-130J then conducted a seamless operation, including refueling, rearming, and taking off again, showcasing the ACE protocols. Colonel Patrick Dierig, Commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing, emphasized the significance of the exercise, stating, "By landing an AC-130J on a highway and conducting FARP, we're proving our ability to operate in austere and unique environments." The AC-130J Ghostrider, a heavily armed ground attack aircraft adapted from the C-130 Hercules transport plane, marked the first time an AC-130J operated from a road base. This event highlights the Air Force's commitment to adapting to challenging and austere environments, a crucial aspect of the Agile Combat Employment doctrine.
The exercise also saw the participation of the Arkansas Air National Guard's 189th Airlift Wing, which conducted takeoffs and landings with a C-130H transport aircraft on the highway site. This integrated effort between active-duty and National Guard units demonstrates the Air Force's ability to operate seamlessly across different components. The success of this exercise underscores the Air Force's dedication to developing and refining its ACE capabilities, ensuring it remains at the forefront of innovative and agile combat operations. As the Air Force continues to evolve its tactics and procedures, events like the highway landing of the AC-130J Ghostrider serve as a testament to its commitment to overcoming challenges and adapting to emerging threats.