The AC-130 is a C-130 cargo plane converted into a gunship. The port side of the AC-130 houses firing ports for an array of cannons, howitzers and gatling guns. The AC-130 is flown by USAF Special Operations, mostly in the close air support role. Other roles include air interdiction, armed reconnaissance and force protection. AFSOC retired the AC-130H Spectre from service in 2014. The Spectre is replaced with the AC-130J Ghostrider.