352nd Special Operations Wing (Provisional)

352nd Special Operations Wing (Provisional)
Unit name	352nd Special Operations Wing (Provisional)

352nd Special Operations Wing (Provisional) is a provisional aviation and special operations formation activated for contingency operations, expeditionary deployments, and joint tasking. It has been employed in theater-level United States Air Force irregular warfare, direct action, and special reconnaissance missions in coordination with United States Special Operations Command, allied coalition partners, and multinational task forces. The wing has operated in austere environments, providing aviation, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and personnel recovery support for theater commanders.

History

The provisional wing traces roots to expeditionary constructs used during the Cold War drawdown and the post-Operation Desert Storm reorganization of United States Air Force combat and support units. During the Global War on Terrorism the formation was stood up to consolidate special operations aviation assets amid operations such as Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014), Operation Iraqi Freedom, and multinational campaigns in the Horn of Africa. The wing has surged for contingency operations during crises like the 2003 invasion of Iraq, counterinsurgency campaigns in Afghanistan, and stability operations involving partners such as NATO, Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, and regional coalitions.

Organization and Units

The provisional wing has been structured along expeditionary group and squadron lines, often including components from Air Force Special Operations Command, Pacific Air Forces, United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa, and attached elements from Royal Air Force aviation or partner force squadrons. Typical subordinate units have included expeditionary special operations groups, expeditionary rescue squadrons, tactical airlift squadrons, and special tactics squadrons composed of Pararescue, Combat Control, and Tactical Air Control Party personnel. Liaison elements have integrated with Joint Special Operations Command, Special Operations Command Europe, Special Operations Command Central, and theater special operations commands to enable combined task-force operations and interagency coordination with organizations such as the Central Intelligence Agency and United States Department of Defense staffs.

Missions and Operations

The wing has executed a spectrum of missions: direct action, hostage rescue, personnel recovery, airborne assault insertion, aerial delivery, precision strike coordination, close air support integration, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. It has supported high-value targeting missions, counterterrorism operations against groups identified by United States Africa Command and United States Central Command, and partnered training with militaries including Turkish Land Forces, Jordanian Armed Forces, Kenya Defence Forces, and Afghan National Army. The wing’s operations have intersected with major campaigns and incidents such as multinational evacuations, noncombatant evacuation operations during regional crises, and interdiction operations tied to sanctions enforcement and maritime security cooperatives with United States Naval Forces Central Command.

Aircraft and Equipment

Aircraft and organic equipment assigned or attached have ranged across fixed-wing and rotary platforms operated by Air Force Special Operations Command units: variants of the MC-130, AC-130, CV-22 Osprey, and expeditionary versions of the HH-60 Pave Hawk, alongside intelligence platforms such as the MQ-9 Reaper and surveillance assets fielded by Air Combat Command and coalition partners. Support equipment has included precision airdrop systems, night-vision devices, inline force-protection systems, and forward area refueling systems compatible with NATO interoperability standards and joint tactical data links used in combined operations.

Commanders

Command relationships for the provisional wing have rotated through senior officers from Air Force Special Operations Command, United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa, and theater special operations components. Commanders have typically held ranks of colonel and brigadier general with prior assignments in units such as the 352nd Special Operations Group (historic designation), 16th Special Operations Wing, and leadership billets within Special Operations Command Europe. These commanders have coordinated with senior leaders including theater combatant commanders, joint task force commanders, and multinational force chiefs.

Insignia and Traditions

As a provisional formation, the wing’s insignia and traditions have been expeditionary and mission-specific, drawing heraldic influences from established United States Air Force emblems and unit heraldry held by legacy special operations groups. Traditions emphasize Pararescue ethos, aircrew airmanship, and interoperability with allied forces, celebrated in ceremonies that mirror those of permanent units such as change-of-command, combat patch issuance, and consolidated memorial observances tied to operations in Southwest Asia and East Africa theaters.

Lineage and Honors

The provisional status means formal lineage and honors are often derived from parent organizations and attached units rather than conferred permanently. Campaign participation and unit awards have been attributed to constituent squadrons and groups, reflecting participation in operations recognized by Department of the Air Force award authorities, joint citation authorities, and multinational commendations associated with campaigns in Iraq, Afghanistan, and continental security operations. Individual and unit decorations frequently reference service alongside coalition partners in combined operations and are recorded within the histories of contributing squadrons.

Category:United States Air Force wings Category:Air Force Special Operations Command units