Eglin Air Force Base in Okaloosa County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

“First Lady”

Aircraft

— 53-3129 —

“First Lady” Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brandon D Cross, April 16, 2023

1. “First Lady” Marker

Inscription. Is the first production model C-130 accepted for active service with the United States Air Force on 10 March 1955. It was converted to the gunship configuration on 26 November 1968, serving until retired from service on 30 September 19, 1995 as an AC-130 Spectre
The AC-130 Spectre Gunships evolved into one of the most heavily armed aircraft in history. It was used extensively during the Vietnam conflict in a multitude of roles, becoming the leading “Truck Killers” on the “Ho Chi Minh Trail.” These aircraft also flew combat in operations “Just Cause” and “Desert Storm.” This memorial honors the tradition, courage, and sacrifice of the personnel who have maintained and flown Spectre Gunships in the defense of freedom. It especially commemorates all those Spectres who gave their lives in the defense of freedom-loving people everywhere.
Given by the Spectre Association
To honor all Spectres both living and deceased.

Erected by The Spectre Association.

Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: Military. A significant historical date for this entry is March 10, 1955.

Location. 30° 28.027′ N, 86° 33.717′ W. Marker is in Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, in Okaloosa County. Memorial is at the intersection of Museum Drive

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and Pinchot Road, on the right when traveling east on Museum Drive. The marker is within the grounds of the Air Force Armament Museum which is located outside the perimeter of Eglin Air Force Base. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Museum Dr, Eglin AFB FL 32542, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. AC-130 Spectre (a few steps from this marker); Friends of the First Lady (a few steps from this marker); F-16 Fighting Falcon (within shouting distance of this marker); F-15 Eagle (within shouting distance of this marker); A-10 Thunderbolt II (within shouting distance of this marker); AC-47 Spooky (within shouting distance of this marker); B-57 Canberra (within shouting distance of this marker); B-17 Flying Fortress (within shouting distance of this marker).

Also see . . .
1. Lockheed AC-130 Gunship “First Lady”. (Submitted on April 25, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Air Force Armament Museum. (Submitted on April 25, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed By Brandon D Cross, April 16, 2023

2. “First Lady” Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 25, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 142 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 25, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.