Gunship crew wins Mackay

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Fourteen AC-130U gunship crewmembers provided close-air-support to a U.S. Special Forces team and 43 Afghan soldiers near Kunduz, Afghanistan Nov. 2, 2016. The crew's persistent fire support, presence of mind and courage during two hours of intense combat ultimately saved 50 lives. For their actions the aircrew of the AC-130U gunship known as "Spooky 43" were presented the 2016 Mackay Trophy by Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen W. Wilson at an awards ceremony in Arlington Nov. 29, 2017. The crew is based out of Hurlburt Field, Fla. The Mackay Trophy was first awarded in 1912 and honors the most meritorious Air Force flight of the previous year. (Source: AFNS, 12/01/17)