353rd Special Operations Wing

353rd Special Operations Wing. A premier special operations aviation unit of the United States Air Force, it provides critical air support for United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) missions across the Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) area of responsibility. Based at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, the wing operates a fleet of specialized aircraft to conduct infiltration, resupply, and personnel recovery under austere conditions. Its history spans multiple conflicts, evolving from a World War II bombardment group into a modern, agile force tailored for unconventional warfare.

History

The wing's lineage traces back to its initial activation as the 353rd Bombardment Group in 1943, flying B-17 Flying Fortress and later B-24 Liberator aircraft from bases in England during the European Theater of World War II. Following the war's end, the unit was inactivated, only to be reactivated in 1966 as the 353rd Special Operations Wing at Kadena Air Base to support Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG) and other Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) operations during the Vietnam War. After another period of inactivation, it was redesignated and reactivated in its current form in 1989, aligning under Pacific Air Forces to address evolving special operations requirements in the Asia-Pacific region, participating in numerous contingencies including Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines.

Organization

The wing is headquartered at Kadena Air Base and falls under the operational control of both Pacific Air Forces and Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). Its primary subordinate unit is the 1st Special Operations Squadron, which operates the MC-130J Commando II aircraft. The wing maintains close coordination with other United States Special Operations Command components, such as Naval Special Warfare Command and United States Army Special Operations Command, as well as allied special forces units across the region like the Japanese Special Operations Group and Philippine Army Special Operations Command.

Aircraft

The wing's primary aircraft is the MC-130J Commando II, a specialized variant of the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules designed for low-visibility, low-level missions including air refueling of helicopters and vertical lift aircraft. Previously, the wing operated the MC-130H Combat Talon II and the MC-130P Combat Shadow. These aircraft are equipped with advanced terrain-following radar, electronic warfare suites, and Fulton surface-to-air recovery system (STARS) capabilities to perform special operations across the vast distances of the Pacific Ocean.

Operations

The wing conducts a wide array of sensitive activities, including psychological operations dissemination, combat search and rescue (CSAR) of isolated personnel, and long-range infiltration of Special Forces teams. It plays a pivotal role in joint exercises such as Balikatan with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Cope North with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Its missions have directly supported efforts against transnational threats in Southeast Asia and have been integral to theater security cooperation plans executed by United States Indo-Pacific Command.

Notable Personnel

Among its distinguished members is General Paul V. Hester, who served as commander of Pacific Air Forces. Another notable figure is Colonel John G. Grimes, a highly decorated Air Force Cross recipient for actions during the Vietnam War while flying the C-123 Provider. The wing's heritage also includes Lieutenant Colonel Arthur D. "Bull" Simons, a legendary figure in special operations who participated in the Son Tay Prisoner of War rescue attempt and later served with the wing's predecessor units.

Awards and Decorations

The wing has been recognized with multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Award ribbons with valor devices for its service in combat zones. Its predecessor units earned campaign streamers for participation in the Air Offensive, Europe and the Vietnam Air Offensive. Individual personnel have been honored with decorations such as the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart for actions undertaken during missions spanning from the Ho Chi Minh Trail to modern contingencies. Category:Special operations wings of the United States Air Force Category:Military units and formations in Okinawa Prefecture