In advance, sorry, no pics.

Been down in Hurlburt land attending a class for my next assignment.  Today we had an AC-130H tour.  The crew was great - I know that it sucks to do dog and pony shows.  Aircraft was an H model with a WWII vintage 40mm Bofors and a 105mm Howitzer.  That bird's capabilities are pretty remarkable as is the fusion of ancient steam gauges in the cockpit with late model C3I gear in the targeteering area.

As I am sitting here typing from my hotel I can hear the gentle KRUMPF of 105 shells impacting somewhere on Eglin AFB.  Thanks USAF and SOCOM, I will sleep a little easier knowing you are out there .

The seats for the loaders are just insane.

My favorite was the loadmaster "couch" for monitoring the rear of the aircraft for SAM/AAA threats.  

Since you are sitting in a motel room I take it you are not out enjoying the survival school.  

Quoted: Since you are sitting in a motel room I take it you are not out enjoying the survival school.

I enjoyed it enough the first time - the thrill still lasts, although I went for a 14 mile run into the hinterlands of the base the weekend before last that gave me some flashbacks.  Mmmm, fried rattlesnake and prickly pear.

While at Pope AFB, I was able to tour the first production model C130 as an A-model gunship.
Awesome history lesson.

Link: USAF Armament Museum