APRIL 4, 2025 – The Skyraider II officially joins the Air Force Special Operations Command fleet with the delivery of the first missionized aircraft to Hurlburt Field on April 3, 2025. U.S. 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. Its flexibility ensures AFSOC can meet the needs set forth by the Secretary of Defense and President.
“Skyraider II represents not just a new platform, but a modular solution to our national security needs,” said Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, AFSOC commander. “It will redefine how we approach joint campaigning, crisis response and the evolving landscape of modern warfare.”
Based on a proven 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 conventional or other special operations aircraft.
“This aircraft embodies the very essence of our command, it’s agile, it’s adaptable, and it’s always ready to deliver lethality,” said Conley. “AFSOC exists to accomplish the missions others can’t do. The Skyraider II is a testament to that enduring promise.”
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. Phillip Edward Jennings, who rescued Buice when he was shot down in Vietnam.
“Your ingenuity, courage and discipline of not only you, but your fellow Skyraider pilots, demonstrated why these missions are so critical to our partners on the ground,” said Conley. “It is today’s Air Commandos who are now tasked to carry on that mission.”
Buice’s story of survival is a living testament to the rugged and 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. in the coming months where the Skyraider II formal training unit is located.
Courtesy Story
Air Force Special Operations Command