The most fearsome weapon evolves

The first MC-130J to be converted into Air Force Special Operations Command’s newest variant of the gunship, the AC-130J Ghostrider, arrives at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Jan. 3, 2013. Modifications to the airframe will be completed in ten months and will be a milestone in the recapitalization of the AC-130H/U fleet. (Courtesy photo)

MC-130J Rollout

A cockpit view of the MC-130J displays the state-of-the-art technology utilized by Air Force Special Operations Command's newest aircraft. The aircraft was unveiled at Lockheed Martin in Mariette, Ga., March 29, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Scott MacKay/RELEASED)

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U.S. Air Force loadmasters from the Air Force Special Operations Training Center push a pallet onto an EC-130J for a training sortie Feb. 10, 2011, Harrisburg International Airport, Pa. The students of class 1101 must complete core tasks to complete mission qualification training on the EC-130J. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Julianne M. Showalter/Released)

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U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Watson and Maj. Andrew Jennings, Air Force Special Operations Training Center student pilots class 1101, go through a startup check list on an EC-130J Feb. 11, 2011, Harrisburg International Airport, Pa. Class 1101 is the first group of students to attend mission qualification training for the EC-130 J that will replace all the E- and P-model aircraft within the next few years. The EC-130J is equipped with modern avionics, mission systems and a more capable and sustainable airframe that will provide specialized mobility to combatant commanders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Julianne M. Showalter/Released)

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An EC-130J from the 193rd Special Operations Squadron flown by Air Force Special Operations Training Center students class 1101, flies in formation during a training sortie Feb. 11, 2011, Harrisburg, Pa. Class 1101 is the first group of students to attend mission qualification training for the EC-130J that will replace all the E- and P-model aircraft within the next few years. The EC-130 J is equipped with modern avionics, mission systems and a more capable and sustainable airframe that will provide specialized mobility to combatant commanders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Julianne M. Showalter/Released)

Jackals fuel the fight during FE 09

OVER THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA -- A MC-130P Combat Shadow from the 17th Special Operations Squadron releases a hose and drogue refueling pod to refuel a U.S. Army MH-47 helicopter from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) during a training mission here March 30 during Foal Eagle 2009. Foal Eagle is an annual combined training exercise for U.S. and Republic of Korea forces to evaluate and improve their ability to coordinate procedures, plans and systems necessary to defend the ROK. The 17th SOS is deployed from Kadena Air Base, Japan, and the 160th SOAR is deployed from Fort Lewis, Wash. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Aaron Cram)