352nd Special Operations Wing

352nd Special Operations Wing is a premier United States Air Force special operations unit permanently based in the European theater. Operating from RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom, it serves as the Air Force Special Operations Command component for United States European Command and United States Africa Command. The wing provides rapidly deployable, specialized airpower for a full spectrum of missions, including direct action, unconventional warfare, and personnel recovery.

Overview

The wing functions as the focal point for United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa special operations aviation, providing unique capabilities across the European Union and the African continent. Its aircraft fleet, including the tiltrotor Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey, is optimized for clandestine and low-visibility operations in complex environments. As a key element of NATO's special operations forces, the unit regularly trains with allied nations such as the United Kingdom Special Forces and the Bundeswehr to ensure interoperability.

History

The unit's lineage traces back to the 352nd Fighter Group, activated in 1943 and flying Republic P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. Following the war, the group was inactivated before being redesignated as the 352nd Special Operations Wing in 1966 during the Vietnam War, where it flew Lockheed C-130 Hercules and Helio U-10 Courier aircraft in support of Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group missions. It was permanently assigned to United Kingdom in 1995, consolidating special operations presence following the Cold War and participating in every major contingency since, from the Balkans to operations in Syria.

Mission and Structure

The wing's primary mission is to execute specialized air mobility, refueling, and close air support for Joint Special Operations Command and allied special operations forces. Organized under the 623rd Air Base Group for support, its operational groups are tailored for specific mission sets involving fixed-wing and rotary-wing assets. This structure enables the wing to conduct sensitive activities approved by the United States Department of Defense and respond to crises alongside entities like the Central Intelligence Agency and the Joint Personnel Recovery Center.

Units

Major subordinate units include the 1st Special Operations Squadron, which operates the Lockheed MC-130J Commando II for infiltration and air refueling, and the 7th Special Operations Squadron, flying the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey. The 321st Special Tactics Squadron provides embedded Combat Controllers and Pararescuemen, while the 67th Special Operations Squadron operates the Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk for combat search and rescue. These units are supported by the 352nd Special Operations Support Squadron for mission planning and intelligence.

Operations

The wing has been integral to numerous high-profile missions, including personnel recovery operations during the Battle of Mogadishu and direct action raids in the Hindu Kush. It provided critical aviation support for the United States Army Rangers during the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) and conducted nighttime infiltrations for Delta Force in Operation Iraqi Freedom. More recently, elements have deployed in support of United States Africa Command counter-terrorism efforts against al-Shabaab in the Horn of Africa and ISIS affiliates in the Sahel region.

Category:Special operations wings of the United States Air Force Category:Military units and formations in Suffolk Category:United States Air Force wings