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A crew member aboard an AC-130 conducts communications check prior to takeoff from Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, March 3, 2010. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Billie J. Nelson Jr./ released)

A crew gunner aboard an AC-130 loads 40 mm rounds in a Bofur Cannon in support of ground troops during Operation Enduring Freedom, Parwan province, Afghanistan, March 3, 2010.

Pilots aboard a AC-130 Gunship conduct final systems checks prior to takeoff. The flight crew provided close air support for ground troops during a mission targeting terrorists, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, March 3, 2010

A flight crew aboard a C-130 Gunship heads back to Bagram Airfield after completing a mission in support of ground troops deployed in Afghanistan, Parwan province, Afghanistan, March 3, 2010.

A crew gunner aboard an AC-130 loads a 105 mm round in support of ground troops during Operation Enduring Freedom. Parwan province, Afghanistan, March 3, 2010.