US Air Force Gunship Sinks Decommissioned US Navy Warship
The United States Air Force has released footage of an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship targeting a decommissioned US Navy amphibious transport dock during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) military exercise.
The exercise demonstrated the firepower of the Air Force’s gunship as part of a larger worldwide event involving 29 countries, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft, and 25,000 soldiers.
The video shows the AC-130J Ghostrider, operated by the New Mexico-based 27th Special Operations Wing, launching a continuous attack of cannon fire on the USS Dubuque.
The 1967-built vessel served in the Vietnam War and was decommissioned in 2011, is now 15,000 feet underwater after the drill.
The 1967-built vessel served in the Vietnam War and was decommissioned in 2011, is now 15,000 feet underwater after the drill.
The Dubuque was also targeted by U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopters and Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers.
The AC-130J’s participation was a highlight of this year’s sinking exercises, which also included the sinking of a larger flat-deck amphibious assault ship, the USS Tarawa.
During the RIMPAC exercises, both vessels were used as live weaponry training targets.
The Rim of the Pacific exercise remains the largest international maritime exercise, serving as a testing ground for advanced weaponry and coordination with multinational forces.ext