USMC Pilot flies for the 16th SOS

[This article originally appeared in a 1973 issue of the Phantom Flyer, the official USAF newspaper of Ubon RTAFB, the home of the 16th Special Operations Squadron.]

Major Robert R. Mullins, pictured above adjusting the controls of an AC-130 gunship prior to take off, is undoubtedly the most unique member of the 16th Special Operations Squadron. Why? Major Mullins is a pilot from the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC), recently assigned here to observe, first-hand, the operational effectiveness of the Spectre gunship. The "one of a kind" Spectreman comes to Ubon from the C-130 Class Desk, Naval Air Systems Command, Wash., DC. While stationed here, during his normal PCS tour with Spectre, he will fly the AC-130 gunship as a regular crewmember, making observations and periodic recommendations to Marine headquarters to determine how and if the AC-130 can augment the existing USMC ground and air operations and how the gunship can improve the Marine Corps future mission capability. Hardly a stranger to C-130 and SEA operations, by virture of previous assignments with the Marine Observation and C-130 Refueling Squadrons at Okinawa, Major Mullins' initial impression of the "Wolfpack's Fabulous Four Engine Fighters" declares "They're outstanding."