Page 2 - Afsoc News Today

Staff Sgt. Jake Galliher, 24, is survived by his wife Ivy and two sons, ages 2 and 7 weeks.

The future of a laser-armed AC-130J is increasingly uncertain and a broader review of the Ghostrider's armament package is in progress.

Other changes under consideration to prepare the Ghostrider for a high-end fight include adding small cruise missiles.

The future of the AC-130J's big gun is once again uncertain as interest in giving the Ghostrider more stand-off strike capabilities grow.

"The intent, as we’re looking at all of our pipelines, is what can we establish as 'basic mission qualified'?" Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind said.

"The intent, as we’re looking at all of our pipelines, is what can we establish as 'basic mission qualified'?" Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind said.

MC-130s operating from beaches could provide critical logistics in the Pacific where runways are few in number and under threat.

"The intent, as we’re looking at all of our pipelines, is what can we establish as 'basic mission qualified'?" Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind said.

The Air Force, which uses the aircraft for special operations missions, remains dedicated, committed and confident in the aircraft, officials said.

The claims are incorrect or missing important context, said Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, the head of Air Force Special Operations Command. But he has called for the service's inspector general to investigate.