24th Special Operations Wing

24th Special Operations Wing
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Unit name	24th Special Operations Wing
Caption	Emblem of the 24th Special Operations Wing
Dates	1944–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Role	Special operations
Size	Wing
Garrison	Hurlburt Field, Florida
Notable commanders	John W. Terry, Charles P. Gabriel, Richard E. Ellsworth

24th Special Operations Wing The 24th Special Operations Wing is a United States Air Force unit based at Hurlburt Field, Florida, assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command and Air Education and Training Command for certain training missions. The wing traces lineage through World War II and the Cold War, evolving through tactical reconnaissance, airborne command and control, and special operations roles. It supports operations with personnel, aircraft, and training that link to United States Southern Command, United States Central Command, United States Indo-Pacific Command, and United States Special Operations Command.

History

The wing's antecedents date to World War II units active in the Mediterranean and European Theaters such as the Twelfth Air Force, Fifteenth Air Force, and campaigns including the Italian Campaign (World War II), the North African Campaign, and the Allied invasion of Southern France. Postwar reorganizations placed elements under commands like Strategic Air Command and Tactical Air Command during the early Cold War and Korean War periods. During the Vietnam War era the wing's predecessors supported operations tied to Pacific Air Forces and Seventh Air Force, while Cold War crises connected it to the Berlin Crisis and Cuban Missile Crisis contingency planning. The wing was redesignated and reactivated in the late 20th century to meet growing demand for irregular warfare capabilities shaped by lessons from operations in Grenada, Panama, and the Gulf War. After the 2001 September 11 attacks the wing expanded support for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom while cooperating with elements of NATO and partner nations in multinational exercises.

Mission and Role

The wing provides specialized airpower for unconventional warfare, direct action, personnel recovery, and precision strike missions in support of joint special operations. It trains aircrews, support personnel, and maintenance forces to integrate with United States Special Operations Command task forces and interagency partners such as the Central Intelligence Agency and Department of Defense components. The wing's mission set includes support to combatant commanders for contingency operations under doctrines influenced by publications from Air Force Doctrine Center and joint doctrine from the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Organization and Units

The wing comprises operations, maintenance, mission support, and medical groups with subordinate squadrons that include special tactics, aviation maintenance, and training squadrons. Notable subordinate units historically and presently include special operations squadrons that have affiliations with the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, the 353rd Special Operations Group, and joint task forces created under Joint Special Operations Command. The wing interoperates with units from Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, United States Army Special Operations Command, and allied formations from the United Kingdom Special Forces and Canadian Special Operations Forces Command during exercises.

Aircraft and Equipment

Over its history the wing and its predecessor units operated aircraft such as the P-51 Mustang, RF-4 Phantom II, EC-47 Skytrain II, C-130 Hercules variants including the AC-130 Spectre and MC-130 Combat Talon II, and rotary-wing platforms such as the MH-53 Pave Low. More recent inventory includes the CV-22 Osprey, MQ-9 Reaper unmanned systems, and specialized mission equipment for electronic warfare, signals intelligence, and precision navigation produced by defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman. Training and survival systems reference standards from Air Education and Training Command and maintenance practices consistent with Air Force Materiel Command guidance.

Deployments and Operations

Elements of the wing have deployed in support of major operations including Operation Urgent Fury, Operation Just Cause, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The wing supported counterterrorism and counterinsurgency campaigns across theaters aligned with United States Central Command and United States Africa Command, participated in humanitarian assistance missions coordinated with United States Southern Command, and conducted NATO cooperative deployments during the Kosovo War. The wing contributed to long-duration contingency sorties, personnel recovery missions associated with the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, and exercises such as Operation Southern Watch and Red Flag.

Insignia and Traditions

The wing emblem and motto reflect heritage themes common to special operations units and are registered with the Heraldry Office of the United States Air Force. Traditions include unit pride ceremonies linked to Hurlburt Field history, change of command rituals derived from United States military ceremonial practice, and commemorations that honor actions during campaigns like the Italian Campaign (World War II) and Cold War deployments. The wing observes earning of specialist badges and awards coordinated with the Air Force Personnel Center.

Commanders

The wing's leadership history includes commanders who later served in senior positions within Air Force Special Operations Command, Pacific Air Forces, and Air Combat Command. Past commanders have maintained liaison with leaders from United States Special Operations Command and staff from the Office of the Secretary of Defense during contingency planning. Command changes follow statutes and regulations overseen by the Department of the Air Force and are announced through official channels.

Notable Personnel and Awards

Personnel assigned to the wing and its predecessors have received decorations including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, and unit honors such as the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. Notable aviators and aircrew progressed to roles in NATO staff, Congressional liaison, and defense industry positions after service. The wing's contributions are recognized in histories of Air Force Special Operations Command and accounts of operations in Southwest Asia and Europe.

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