INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The Skyraider II officially joins the Air Force Special Operations Command fleet with the delivery of the first missionized aircraft here at
Hurlburt Field, Florida on April 3, 2025
Special Operations Command representatives and AFSOC leadership joined elected officials and community leaders in a ceremony marking the
acceptance.The delivery marks the start of a new era in aircraft modularity
The Skyraider II can adapt capabilities for required mission sets be it close air support, precision strike, or armed intelligence,
surveillance, and reconnaissance
Michael Conley, AFSOC commander
aircraft platform, the AT-802, the Skyraider II is a dynamic aircraft that will allow operators to adjust effects for required missions and
create dilemmas for our adversaries across the spectrum of armed conflict
In addition to versatility, the Skyraider II requires a much smaller maintenance package and costs less per flying hour than other
Bill Buice, a former A-1 Skyraider pilot, poses for a photo in front of the new OA-1K Skyraider II at Hurlburt Field, Florida, April 3, 2025
forcing him to medically retire
Air Force photo by Staff Sgt
Natalie Fiorilli)The delivery ceremony included special attendee retired Lt Col Bill Buice, who was an A-1 Skyraider pilot which is the
aircraft that the Skyraider II derives its name from
Buice, who is 98-years old, flew the A-1 Skyraider from June 1967 to July 1968
Joining him at the ceremony was Mr
versatile nature of the A-1 Skyraider, which lives on in the Skyraider II.Additional aircraft will flow from the production line to Will
Rogers Air National Guard Base, Okla
