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Air Force Special Operations Command

{{Short description|Air Force component of the U.S. Special Operations Command}}

{{Use American English|date=June 2013}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}}

{{Infobox military unit

| unit_name= Air Force Special Operations Command

| image = Shield of the United States Air Force Special Operations Command.svg

| caption =Air Force Special Operations Command emblem

| dates= 10 February 1983 – present
({{Age in years and months|1983|2|10}})
{{collapsible list

| titlestyle = background:transparent;text-align:left;font-weight:normal;

| title = Detailed

|22 May 1990 – present (as Air Force Special Operations Command)
10 February 1983 – 22 May 1990 (as 23d Air Force){{cite web|url=https://www.dafhistory.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432605/air-force-special-operations-command-usaf/|title=Air Force Special Operations Command (USAF)|website=af.mil|access-date=4 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022032831/http://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432605/air-force-special-operations-command-usaf/|archive-date=22 October 2017}}

}}

| country = {{flag|United States of America|23px}}

| branch = {{air force|USA}}

| type = Major Command

| role = "Provide our Nation’s specialized airpower, capable across the spectrum of conflict … Any Place, Any Time, Anywhere"{{cite web|url=https://www.afsoc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/162540/air-force-special-operations-command/|title=AFSOC "About Us"|publisher=afsoc.af.mil|access-date=11 January 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022085040/http://www.afsoc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/162540/air-force-special-operations-command/|archive-date=22 October 2017}}

| size = 17,967 personnel authorized:{{cite web |url=http://www.gao.gov/assets/680/671462.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2 June 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322065309/http://www.gao.gov/assets/680/671462.pdf |archive-date=22 March 2016 }}

  • 15,724 military personnel
  • 2,243 civilian personnel

| command_structure = 23px United States Special Operations Command

| garrison = Hurlburt Field, Florida, U.S.

| garrison_label = Headquarters

| nickname = "Air Commandos"{{cite web|url=http://www.afsoc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/560215/air-commandos/|title=Air Commandos|website=af.mil|access-date=4 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022032312/http://www.afsoc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/560215/air-commandos/|archive-date=22 October 2017}}

| motto = "Any place. Any time. Anywhere"{{cite web|url=https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1438372822949461&id=119105629988&refsrc=http://www.google.com/&_rdr|title=United States Air Force|website=m.facebook.com|access-date=4 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504231502/https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1438372822949461&id=119105629988&refsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&_rdr|archive-date=4 May 2018}}

| battles =

| decorations = 200px
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award
200px
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award{{cite web|url=https://www.dafhistory.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432605/air-force-special-operations-command-usaf/|last1=Bailey|first1=Carl E.|title=Factsheet Air Force Special Operations Command (USAF)|date=9 November 2010|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|url-status=live|access-date=30 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022032831/http://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432605/air-force-special-operations-command-usaf/|archive-date=22 October 2017}}

| website = {{URL|www.afsoc.af.mil}}

| commander1 = Lt Gen Michael E. Conley{{cite web|last=Bell|first=Lucelia|url=https://www.afsoc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3824134/conley-promoted-to-lieutenant-general-ahead-of-afsoc-change-of-command/|title=Conley promoted to lieutenant general ahead of AFSOC change of command|date=2024-07-01|access-date=2024-07-02|publisher=Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs|location=Hurlburt Field, Florida|website=Air Force Special Operations Command}}

| commander1_label = Commander

| commander2 = Maj Gen Justin R. Hoffman

| commander2_label = Deputy Commander

| commander3 = Vacant

| commander3_label = Command Chief Master Sergeant

| identification_symbol = 150px

| identification_symbol_label = Twenty-Third Air Force shield (former) (approved May 1983){{cite book|url=https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6362694|title=Approved insignia for: 23rd Air Force|last1=Department of Defense. Department of the Navy. Naval Imaging Command. 1988-ca. 1993 (Predecessor)|last2=Department of Defense. Defense Audiovisual Agency (Predecessor)|last3=Department of Defense. American Forces Information Service. Defense Visual Information Center. 1994–|date=12 May 1983|access-date=4 May 2018|via=US National Archives Research Catalog|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107025239/https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6362694|archive-date=7 November 2017|series=Series: Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files, 1921–2008}}

| aircraft_attack = AC-130W/J, MQ-9

| aircraft_bomber =

| aircraft_electronic =

| aircraft_fighter =

| aircraft_helicopter =

| aircraft_helicopter_attack =

| aircraft_helicopter_cargo =

| aircraft_helicopter_multirole =

| aircraft_helicopter_observation =

| aircraft_helicopter_transport =

| aircraft_helicopter_trainer =

| aircraft_helicopter_utility =

| aircraft_interceptor =

| aircraft_patrol =

| aircraft_recon = U-28A

| aircraft_trainer =

| aircraft_transport = C-145A, C-146A, CV-22B

| aircraft_tanker = MC-130H/P/J

| aircraft_general =

}}

Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), headquartered at Hurlburt Field, Florida, is the special operations component of the United States Air Force. An Air Force major command (MAJCOM), AFSOC is also the U.S. Air Force component command to United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), a unified combatant command located at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. AFSOC provides all Air Force Special Operations Forces (SOF) for worldwide deployment and assignment to regional unified combatant commands.

Before 1983, Air Force special operations forces were primarily assigned to the Tactical Air Command (TAC) and were generally deployed under the control of U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) or, as had been the case during the Vietnam War, Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). Just as it had relinquished control of the C-130 theater airlift fleet to Military Airlift Command (MAC) in 1975, TAC relinquished control of Air Force SOF to MAC in December 1982.

AFSOC was initially established on 10 February 1983 as Twenty-Third Air Force (23 AF), a subordinate numbered air force of MAC, with 23 AF headquarters initially established at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. On 1 August 1987, 23 AF headquarters moved to Hurlburt Field, Florida. AFSOC elements include Combat Controllers (CCT), Pararescuemen (PJ), Special Reconnaissance (SR), and Tactical Air Control Party (TACP).

Predecessor USAAF and USAF special operations units

=World War II=

  • 1st Air Commando Group: Late 1943 – November 1945
  • Operation Carpetbagger: Early 1944 – July 1945{{cite web|url=http://801492.org/index.html|title=The Carpetbagger Photographic Archives|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150307110001/http://801492.org/index.html|archive-date=7 March 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhwrAAhGM-A|title=Operation Carpetbagger: B-24s drop agents and supplies into occupied Europe in WW2|last=ZenosWarbirds|date=29 May 2013|via=YouTube|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127045837/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhwrAAhGM-A|archive-date=27 January 2016}}{{cite web |url=http://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a234054.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=8 March 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308225821/http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a234054.pdf |archive-date=8 March 2016 }}

=Korean War=

=Early Cold War era=

=Vietnam War era=

  • Jungle Jim / 4400th Combat Crew Training Squadron
  • Farm Gate{{cite web|url=http://www.bhabassoc.org/forums/topic/a-26ab-26k-counter-invader-farm-gate-program/|title=Topic: A-26A/B-26K Counter Invader Farm Gate Program – Bien Hoa AB Association|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308115206/http://www.bhabassoc.org/forums/topic/a-26ab-26k-counter-invader-farm-gate-program/|archive-date=8 March 2016}}
  • Operation Waterpump
  • Raven Forward Air Controllers
  • Project 404
  • Palace Dog
  • 56th Air Commando Wing{{cite web|url=http://aircommandoman.tripod.com/|title=Nakhon Phanom During The Secret War 1962–1975|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110223135133/http://aircommandoman.tripod.com/|archive-date=23 February 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.specialoperations.net/1SOWWW-77.htm|title=The Air Commando Association – Air Commando and Special Operations Combat|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003203405/http://www.specialoperations.net/1SOWWW-77.htm|archive-date=3 October 2015}}

=Late Cold War era=

  • 4400th Combat Crew Training Group
  • 1st Special Operations Wing
  • Twenty-Third Air Force{{cite web|url=http://www.afsoc.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/5046/Article/495017/air-force-special-operations-command-brief-history.aspx|title=Air Force Special Operations Command Brief History > Air Force Special Operations Command > Display|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308061747/http://www.afsoc.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/5046/Article/495017/air-force-special-operations-command-brief-history.aspx|archive-date=8 March 2016}}

Lineage

: Activated on 1 March 1983

: Redesignated Air Force Special Operations Command and made a major command on 22 May 1990

=Assignments=

=Stations=

=Components=

File:Air Force Special Operations Command OrBat.png

{{Clear}}

Units

= Air Force =

File:6th Special Operations Squadron and aircraft.jpg

File:MH-53J_Pave_Low_Mission_Descent.jpg

File:AC-130U over Hurlburt Field.jpg

File:MC-130_Combat_Talon_II.jpg

File:MC-130J_on_the_tarmac_at_Lockheed_Martin_in_Marietta,_GA..jpg facility at Dobbins ARB, Georgia]]

File:EC-130J Commando Solo.JPG

The following list contains the flying and Special Tactics squadrons of the Air Force Special Operations Command:

= Air National Guard =

Additionally, the Air Force Special Operations Command would gain the following units from Air Mobility Command or Air Combat Command aligned Air National Guard wings:

= Air Force Reserve Command =

The Air Force Reserve Command units of Air Force Special Operations Command are:

Personnel and resources

File:Members of the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, assigned to the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron.jpg

AFSOC has about 20,800 active-duty, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard and civilian personnel.[https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303630404577390333494738036 U.S. Seeks Faster Deployment; Smaller, More Flexible Special-Operations Teams Would Tackle Emerging Threats Under New Plan] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027003457/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303630404577390333494738036 |date=27 October 2017 }} 7 May 2012

The command's SOF units are composed of highly trained, rapidly deployable airmen who are equipped with specialized aircraft. These forces conduct global special operations missions ranging from precision application of firepower, to infiltration, aviation foreign internal defense, exfiltration, resupply and aerial refueling of SOF operational elements.

In addition to the pilots, combat systems officers, and enlisted aircrew who fly AFSOC's aircraft, there is a highly experienced support force of maintenance officers and enlisted aircraft maintenance personnel who maintain these complex aircraft and their support systems, a cadre of premier intelligence officers and enlisted intelligence specialists well versed in special operations, as well as logisticians, security forces and numerous other support officers and personnel.

Another aspect of AFSOC is Special Tactics, the U.S. Air Force's special operations ground force. Similar in ability and employment to Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC), U.S. Army Special Forces and U.S. Navy SEALs, Air Force Special Tactics personnel are typically the first to enter combat and often find themselves deep behind enemy lines in demanding, austere conditions, usually with little or no support.

The command's Special Tactics Squadrons are led by Special Tactics Officers (STOs). Special Tactics Squadrons combine Combat Controllers, Tactical Air Control Party (TACP), Air Force Special Reconnaissance, Pararescuemen (PJs) and Combat Rescue Officers (CROs) to form versatile SOF teams. AFSOC's unique capabilities include airborne radio and television broadcast for psychological operations, as well as combat aviation advisors to provide other governments military expertise for their internal development.

Due to the rigors of the career field, Special Tactics' year-long training is one of the most demanding in the military, with attrition rates between 80 and 90 percent. In an attempt to reduce the high attrition, Special Tactics is very selective when choosing their officers. Special Tactics Officers (STO) undergo a highly competitive process to gain entry into the Special Tactics career field, ensuring only the most promising and capable leaders are selected. STO leadership and role modeling during the difficult training reduces the attrition rate for enlisted trainees.

STO selection is a two-phase process. Beginning with Phase One, a board of veteran STOs reviews application packages consisting of letters of recommendation, fitness test scores, and narratives written by the applicants describing their career aspirations and reasons for applying. Based on Phase One performance, about eight to 10 applicants are invited to the next phase. Phase Two is a weeklong battery of evaluations, ranging from physical fitness and leadership to emotional intelligence and personality indicators. At the end of Phase Two, typically two to four applicants are selected to begin the year-plus Special Tactics training pipeline.

Aircraft

= Current =

AFSOC regularly operates the following aircraft:[http://www2.afsoc.af.mil/library/ USAF Special Operations Command] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202011542/http://www2.afsoc.af.mil/library/ |date=2 February 2007 }} Official Site.

Additionally, AFSOC, through the 492nd Special Operations Wing (as of 2017, and the Air Force Special Operations Air Warfare Center previously), possess and operates a small number of the following aircraft for its special training mission and Aviation Foreign Internal Defense (FID) missions:

  • C-130E Hercules
  • An-26 Curl
  • C-47T Sky Train
  • C-212 Aviocar
  • CN-235-100
  • Mi-17 Hip
  • UH-1H and UH-1N Huey{{cite web|url=http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/combat-aviation-advisors-the-6th-special-operations-squadron/|title=6th Special Operations Squadron – Defense Media Network|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054914/http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/combat-aviation-advisors-the-6th-special-operations-squadron/|archive-date=4 March 2016}}

= Future =

New AC-130J and MC-130J aircraft based on the Lockheed Martin KC-130J Super Hercules tanker variant are being acquired and sent to certain AFSOC units. MC-130J aircraft have already entered service while the AC-130J continues developmental testing in preparation for an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) with AFSOC projected for FY 2017[http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/06/18/224745/lockheed-martin-c-130j-selected-for-new-special-operations.html FlightGlobal.com: Lockheed Martin C-130J selected for new special operations role] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080630214238/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/06/18/224745/lockheed-martin-c-130j-selected-for-new-special-operations.html|date=30 June 2008}}, by Stephen Trimble, Washington DC, 18 June 2008; accessed: 20 February 2012{{cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104510/mc-130j-commando-ii/|title=MC-130J Commando II > U.S. Air Force > Fact Sheet Display|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304090221/http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/224/Article/104510/mc-130j-commando-ii.aspx|archive-date=4 March 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/467756/ac-130j-ghostrider/|title=AC-130J Ghostrider > U.S. Air Force > Fact Sheet Display|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308112038/http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/224/Article/467756/ac-130j-ghostrider.aspx|archive-date=8 March 2016}}

History

= Twenty-Third Air Force (23 AF) =

In December 1982, the Air Force transferred responsibility for Air Force special operations from Tactical Air Command (TAC) to Military Airlift Command (MAC). Consequently, in March 1983, MAC activated Twenty-Third Air Force (23 AF) at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. This new numbered air force's responsibilities included worldwide missions of special operations, combat rescue, weather reconnaissance and aerial sampling, security support for intercontinental ballistic missile sites, training of USAF helicopter and HC-130 crewmen, pararescue training, and medical evacuation.

==Operation Urgent Fury==

In October 1983, 23 AF helped rescue Americans from the island nation of Grenada. During the seven-day operation, centered at Point Salines Airport, 23 AF furnished MC-130s, AC-130s, aircrews, maintenance, and support personnel. An EC-130 from the 193rd Special Operations Wing of the Air National Guard (ANG) also played a psy-war role. Lieutenant Colonel (later Major General) James L. Hobson Jr., an MC-130 pilot and commander of the 8th Special Operations Squadron, was later awarded the Mackay Trophy for his actions in leading the air drop on the Point Salines Airport.{{cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/106751/major-general-james-l-hobson-jr/|title=MAJOR GENERAL JAMES L. HOBSON JR. > U.S. Air Force > Biography Display|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308121933/http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/Biographies/Display/tabid/225/Article/106751/major-general-james-l-hobson-jr.aspx|archive-date=8 March 2016}}

==U.S. Special Operations Command==

In May 1986, the Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act led to the formation of the United States Special Operations Command. Senators William Cohen and Sam Nunn introduced the Senate bill, and the following month Congressman Dan Daniel introduced a like measure in the House of Representatives. The key provisions of the legislation formed the basis to amend the 1986 Defense Authorizations Bill. This bill, signed into law in October 1986, in part directed the formation of a unified command responsible for special operations. In April 1987, the DoD established the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, and Army GEN James J. Lindsay assumed command. Four months later, 23 AF moved its headquarters from Scott AFB to Hurlburt Field, Florida.

In August 1989, Gen Duane H. Cassidy, USAF, CINCMAC, divested 23 AF of its non-special operations units, e.g., search and rescue, weather reconnaissance, etc. Thus, 23 AF served a dual role: still reporting to MAC, but also functioning as the air component to USSOCOM.

==Operation Just Cause==

From late December 1989 to early January 1990, 23 AF participated in the invasion of the Republic of Panama during Operation Just Cause. Special operations aircraft included both active duty AC-130H and Air Force Reserve AC-130A Spectre gunships, EC-130 Volant Solo psychological operations aircraft from the Air National Guard, HC-130P/N Combat Shadow tankers, MC-130E Combat Talons, and MH-53J Pave Low and MH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters. Special tactics Combat Controllers and Pararescuemen provided important support to combat units.

Spectre gunship crews of the 1 SOW earned the Mackay Trophy and Tunner Award for their efforts, with an Air Force Reserve AC-130A Spectre crew from the 919th Special Operations Group (919 SOG) earning the President's Award. An active duty 1st SOW MC-130 Combat Talon crew ferried the captured Panamanian President, Manuel Noriega, to prison in the United States. Likewise, the efforts of the 1 SOW maintenance people earned them the Daedalian Award.

On 22 May 1990, General Larry D. Welch, USAF, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, redesignated Twenty-Third Air Force as Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). This new major command consisted of three wings: the 1st, 39th and 353rd Special Operations Wings as well as the 1720th Special Tactics Group (1720 STG), the U.S. Air Force Special Operations School, and the Special Missions Operational Test and Evaluation Center.

Currently, after major redesignations and reorganizations, AFSOC direct reporting units include the 16th Special Operations Wing, the 352nd Special Operations Group, the 353rd Special Operations Group, the 720th Special Tactics Group (720 STG), the USAF Special Operations School and the 18th Flight Test Squadron (18 FLTS). During the early 1990s a major reorganization occurred within AFSOC. The 1720 STG became the 720 STG in March 1992; the transfer of ownership of Hurlburt Field from Air Mobility Command (AMC, and formerly MAC) to AFSOC in October 1992, followed by the merger of the 834th Air Base Wing (834 ABW) into the 1 SOW, which assumed host unit responsibilities. A year later the 1 SOW became the 16 SOW in a move to preserve Air Force heritage.{{cite web |url=http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=16125 |title=Factsheets : 1 Special Operations Wing (AFSOC) |access-date=8 March 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315204216/http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=16125 |archive-date=15 March 2016 }}

Meanwhile, the Special Missions Operational Test and Evaluation Center (SMOTEC), which explored heavy lift frontiers in special operations capabilities, while pursuing better equipment and tactics development, was also reorganized. In April 1994, the Air Force, in an effort to standardize these types of organizations, redesignated SMOTEC as the 18th Flight Test Squadron (18 FLTS).{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}

==Gulf War==

From early August 1990 to late February 1991, AFSOC participated in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, the protection of Saudi Arabia and liberation of Kuwait. Special tactics personnel operated throughout the theater on multiple combat control and combat rescue missions.

Special operations forces performed direct action missions, combat search and rescue, infiltration, exfiltration, air base ground defense, air interdiction, special reconnaissance, close air support, psychological operations, and helicopter air refuelings. Pave Low crews led the helicopter assault on radars to blind Iraq at the onset of hostilities, and they also accomplished the deepest rescue for which they received the Mackay Trophy.{{cite web|url=https://www.afsoc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/643645/25th-anniversary-of-desert-storm/|title=25th Anniversary of Desert Storm|date=14 January 2016 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309020250/http://www.afsoc.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/5003/Article/643645/25th-anniversary-of-desert-storm.aspx|archive-date=9 March 2016}}

MC-130E/H Combat Talons dropped the BLU-82, the largest conventional bombs of the war and, along with MC-130P Combat Shadows, dropped the most psychological warfare leaflets, while AC-130A and AC-130H Spectre gunships provided valuable fire support and armed reconnaissance. However, the AC-130 community also suffered the single greatest combat loss of coalition air forces with the shoot down of an AC-130H, call sign Spirit 03, by an Iraqi SA-7 Grail surface-to-air missile. All fourteen crew members aboard Spirit 03 were killed.{{cite web|url=http://www.shadowspear.com/vb/threads/in-memory-of-spirit-03-jan-31-1991.19898/|title=In Memory Of "Spirit 03" Jan 31, 1991|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308122301/http://www.shadowspear.com/vb/threads/in-memory-of-spirit-03-jan-31-1991.19898/|archive-date=8 March 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hurlburt.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/565340/in-memory-of-spirit-03/|title=In memory of Spirit 03|date=4 February 2015 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308110150/http://www.hurlburt.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/4891/Article/565340/in-memory-of-spirit-03.aspx|archive-date=8 March 2016}}

= AFSOC =

==Post-Gulf War==

In December 1992, AFSOC special tactics and intelligence personnel supported Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. In late 1994, AFSOC units spearheaded Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti, and in 1995 Operation Deliberate Force in the Balkans.{{cite web |url=http://www.hurlburt.afaflorida.org/newsletters/AFSOC.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=8 March 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308212858/http://www.hurlburt.afaflorida.org/newsletters/AFSOC.pdf |archive-date=8 March 2016 }}

==Operation Enduring Freedom==

File:USAF CCT Bart Decker on horseback in Afghanistan 2001.png valley, during the initial days of the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.]]

The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, and the Pentagon, Washington D.C., on 11 September 2001 pushed the United States special operations forces to the forefront of the war against terrorism. By the end of September 2001, AFSOC deployed forces to southwest Asia for Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan to help destroy the al Qaeda terrorist organization and remove the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. AFSOC airpower delivered special tactics forces to the battle ground and they in turn focused U.S. airpower and allowed Afghanistan's Northern Alliance ground forces to dispatch the Taliban and al Qaeda from Afghanistan. AFSOC personnel also deployed to the Philippines to help aid that country's efforts against terrorism.

US Air Force Special Operations had a long-term presence in the Philippines during Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines.Neville, Leigh, Special Forces in the War on Terror (General Military), Osprey Publishing, 2015 {{ISBN|978-1472807908}}, pp. 184–185

== Operation Iraqi Freedom ==

In March 2003, AFSOC again deployed forces to southwest Asia this time in support of what would become Operation Iraqi Freedom – the removal of Saddam Hussein and his Baathist government. The command's personnel and aircraft teamed with SOF and conventional forces to quickly bring down Saddam Hussein's government by May 2003. AFSOC forces continued to conduct operations in support of the new Iraqi government against insurgents and terrorists.

== Interoperability and Multinational trainings ==

The USAFSOC takes part in the multinational trainings at the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Centre in which it trains in multiple scenarios with partner nations in order to increase interoperability between partner forces.{{cite web |url=https://www.afsoc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1185993/us-air-force-special-tactics-trains-to-lead-build-partnership-in-jordan/#:~:text=S.%20Air%20Force%20Special%20Tactics%20Airman%20controls%20the,at%20King%20Abdullah%20II%20Special%20Operations%20Training%20Center. |title = US Air Force Special Tactics trains to lead, build partnership in Jordan > Air Force Special Operations Command > Article Display| date=18 May 2017 }}

Commanders

class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
rowspan=2| {{abbr|No.|Number}}

! colspan=2| Commander

! colspan=3| Term

Portrait

! Name

! Took office

! Left office

! Duration

{{Officeholder table

| order = 1

| military_rank = Major General

| image = Brig Gen Thomas E. Eggers.jpg

| officeholder = Thomas E. Eggers

| officeholder_sort = Eggers, Thomas E.

| officeholder_note =

| born_year =

| died_year =

| term_start = 22 May 1990

| term_end = 20 June 1991

| timeinoffice = {{ayd|1990|05|22|1991|06|20}}

}}

{{Officeholder table

| order = 2

| military_rank = Major General

| image = Bruce L. Fister.jpg

| officeholder = Bruce L. Fister

| officeholder_sort = Fister, Bruce L.

| officeholder_note =

| born_year =

| died_year =

| term_start = 21 June 1991

| term_end = 21 July 1994

| timeinoffice = {{ayd|1991|06|21|1994|07|21}}

}}

{{Officeholder table

| order = 3

| military_rank = Major General

| image = James L. Hobson Jr.jpg

| officeholder = James L. Hobson Jr.

| officeholder_sort = Hobson, James L. Jr.

| officeholder_note =

| born_year =

| died_year =

| term_start = 22 July 1994

| term_end = 8 July 1997

| timeinoffice = {{ayd|1994|07|22|1997|07|08}}

}}

{{Officeholder table

| order = 4

| military_rank = Major General

| image = Maj Gen Charles R. Holland.jpg

| officeholder = Charles R. Holland

| officeholder_sort = Holland, Charles R.

| officeholder_note =

| born_year =

| died_year =

| term_start = 9 July 1997

| term_end = 4 August 1999

| timeinoffice = {{ayd|1997|07|09|1999|08|04}}

}}

{{Officeholder table

| order = 5

| military_rank = Lieutenant General

| image = Lt Gen Maxwell C. Bailey.jpg

| officeholder = Maxwell C. Bailey

| officeholder_sort = Bailey, Maxwell C.

| officeholder_note =

| born_year =

| died_year =

| term_start = 5 August 1999

| term_end = 15 January 2002

| timeinoffice = {{ayd|1999|08|05|2002|01|15}}

}}

{{Officeholder table

| order = 6

| military_rank = Lieutenant General

| image = Lt Gen Paul V. Hester.jpg

| officeholder = Paul V. Hester

| officeholder_sort = Hester, Paul V.

| officeholder_note =

| born_year =

| died_year =

| term_start = 16 January 2002

| term_end = 30 June 2004

| timeinoffice = {{ayd|2002|01|16|2004|06|30}}

}}

{{Officeholder table

| order = 7

| military_rank = Lieutenant General

| image = LTGEN Michael W Wooley.jpg

| officeholder = Michael W. Wooley

| officeholder_sort = Wooley, Michael W.

| officeholder_note =

| born_year =

| died_year =

| term_start = 1 July 2004

| term_end = 26 November 2007

| timeinoffice = {{ayd|2004|07|01|2007|11|26}}

}}

{{Officeholder table

| order = 8

| military_rank = Lieutenant General

| image = Donald C. Wurster.jpg

| officeholder = Donald C. Wurster

| officeholder_sort = Wurster, Donald C.

| officeholder_note =

| born_year =

| died_year =

| term_start = 27 November 2007

| term_end = 24 June 2011

| timeinoffice = {{ayd|2007|11|27|2011|06|24}}

}}

{{Officeholder table

| order = 9

| military_rank = Lieutenant General

| image = General Eric E Fiel.jpg

| officeholder = Eric E. Fiel

| officeholder_sort = Fiel, Eric E.

| officeholder_note =

| born_year =

| died_year =

| term_start = 24 June 2011

| term_end = 1 July 2014

| timeinoffice = {{ayd|2011|06|24|2014|07|01}}

}}

{{Officeholder table

| order = 10

| military_rank = Lieutenant General

| image = Heithold 2016.jpg

| officeholder = Bradley A. Heithold

| officeholder_sort = Heithold, Bradley A.

| officeholder_note =

| born_year =

| died_year =

| term_start = 1 July 2014

| term_end = 19 July 2016

| timeinoffice = {{ayd|2014|07|01|2016|07|19}}

}}

{{Officeholder table

| order = 11

| military_rank = Lieutenant General

| image = LIEUTENANT GENERAL MARSHALL B. "BRAD" WEBB.JPG

| officeholder = Marshall B. Webb

| officeholder_sort = Webb, Marshall B.

| officeholder_note =

| born_year =

| died_year =

| term_start = 19 July 2016

| term_end = 28 June 2019

| timeinoffice = {{ayd|2016|07|19|2019|06|28}}

}}

{{Officeholder table

| order = 12

| military_rank = Lieutenant General

| image = Lt. Gen. James C. Slife (2).jpg

| officeholder = James C. Slife

| officeholder_sort = Slife, James C.

| officeholder_note =

| born_year =

| died_year =

| term_start = 28 June 2019

| term_end = 9 December 2022

| timeinoffice = {{ayd|2019|06|28|2022|12|09}}

}}

{{Officeholder table

| order = 13

| military_rank = Lieutenant General

| image = Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind.jpg

| officeholder = Tony D. Bauernfeind

| officeholder_sort = Bauernfeind, Tony D.

| officeholder_note =

| born_year =

| died_year =

| term_start = 9 December 2022

| term_end = 2 July 2024

| timeinoffice = {{ayd|2022|12|09|2024|07|02}}

}}

{{Officeholder table

| order = 14

| military_rank = Lieutenant General

| image = Brig Gen Michael E. Conley (2).jpg

| officeholder = Michael E. Conley

| officeholder_sort = Conley, Michael E.

| officeholder_note =

| born_year =

| died_year =

| term_start = 2 July 2024

| timeinoffice = {{ayd|2024|07|02}}

}}

Contingency operations

class="wikitable" style="border:1px black"

|+Operations supported by Air Force Special Operations Forces since the Vietnam War.{{cite web|url=http://www.afsoc.af.mil/library/afsocheritage/index.asp |title= AFSOC Heritage |access-date=5 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319013250/http://www2.afsoc.af.mil/library/afsocheritage/index.asp |archive-date=19 March 2014 }}

Date(s)Operation
1975Mayaguez incident, Cambodia
1975Operation Eagle Pull, Cambodia
1975Operation Frequent Wind, Vietnam
1976Operation Fluid Drive, Lebanon
1978Zaire Airlift
1980Operation Eagle Claw, Iran
1981Kidnapping of U.S. Army Brigadier General James Dozier, Italy
1981Gulf of Sidra incident, Libya
1983Operation Urgent Fury, Grenada
1983Operation Big Pine, Honduras
1983–1985Operation Bat, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos
1983–1988Operation Bield Kirk, Operation Blue Flame, Operation Blinking Light, El Salvador
1984Salvadorean President José Napoleón Duarte's daughter kidnapping, El Salvador
1985TWA Flight 847 plane hijacking, Algeria/Lebanon
1985Achille Lauro hijacking, Mediterranean Sea
1986Operation El Dorado Canyon, Libya
1986Pan Am Flight 73 plane hijacking, Pakistan
1987–1988Operation Earnest Will, Operation Prime Chance, Persian Gulf
1988Operation Golden Pheasant, Honduras
1989Operation Safe Passage, Afghanistan
1989Operation Poplar Tree, El Salvador
19891989 Philippine coup attempt, Philippines
1989Operation Just Cause, Panama
1990Operation Promote Liberty, Panama
1990Civilian evacuation, Liberia
1990–1991Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq
1991Operation Eastern Exit, Somalia
1991–2003Operation Provide Comfort I–III, Operation Northern Watch, Turkey, Iraq
1991Operation Sea Angel, 1991 Bangladesh cyclone relief, Bangladesh
1991Operation Fiery Vigil, Philippines
1991Operation Desert Calm, Saudi Arabia
1991–2003Operation Southern Watch, Kuwait
1992Operation Silver Anvil, Sierra Leone
1992–1994Operation Provide Promise I–II, Italy, Yugoslavia
1992–1993Operation Restore Hope, Somalia
1993–1995Operation Continue Hope I–III, Somalia
1993Operation Deny Flight, Yugoslavia
1993Operation Silver Hope, Ukraine
1994Operation Restore Democracy, Operation Uphold Democracy, Haiti
1994Operation Support Hope, Rwanda
1995Operation United Shield, Somalia
1995–1996Operation Deliberate Force, Operation Joint Endeavor, Operation Joint Guard, Italy, Yugoslavia, Bosnia
1996Search and Rescue support for U.S. Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown CT-43 crash, Croatia
1996Operation Assured Response, evacuation, Liberia
1996Operation Guardian Retrieval, Uganda
1996Operation Pacific Bridge, Palau
1996Operation Guardian Assistance, Rwanda
1997Operation Silver Wake, evacuation, Albania
1997Operation Guardian Angel, Yugoslavia
1997Operation Firm Response, evacuation, Republic of Congo
1997Operation High Flight, Namibia
1998Operation Desert Thunder, Persian Gulf
1998Operation Desert Fox, Iraq
1999Operation Allied Force, Serbia, Kosovo
2000Operation Atlas Response, flood relief, Mozambique
2000Operation Fiery Relief, volcano relief, Philippines
2001Operation Valiant Return, China
2001–2014Operation Enduring Freedom, Global War on Terror
2002Operation Autumn Return, evacuation, Côte d'Ivoire
2003Operation Shining Express, evacuation, Liberia
2003–2011Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq
2003–2008Operation Willing Spirit, Colombia
2004Operation Atlas Shield, Greece
2004Operation Secure Tomorrow, Haiti
2005–2005Operation Unified Assistance, Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia
2005Task Force Katrina, hurricane relief, United States
2006evacuation, Lebanon
2008Operation Aster Silver, evacuation, Chad
2008Operation Assured Delivery, Georgia
2008Operation Olympic Titan, Pacific Ocean
2010Operation Unified Response, earthquake relief, Haiti
2011Operation Tomodachi, earthquake and tsunami relief, Japan
2011Operation Odyssey Dawn, Libya
2013Operation Damayan, typhoon relief, Philippines
2014Operation Inherent Resolve, Iraq, Syria, and Libya
2015-2021Operation Freedom's Sentinel, Afghanistan

Gallery

File:V-22 Osprey at Hurlburt Field.jpg|AFSOC's first CV-22B Osprey at sunset, Hurlburt Field, Florida

File:Combat Control Team on bikes.jpg|Combat Controllers practice seizing an airfield

File:Special Operations Weathermen training at Hurlburt Field.png|AFSOC Special Operations Weathermen

File:21 SOS 352D (6).png|MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft expending flares

File:Defense.gov News Photo 100119-F-4177H-110.jpg|A PJ from the 23rd STS searching for survivors of the 2010 Haiti earthquake in Port-au-Prince

See also

References

{{Reflist|30em}}

Further reading

  • Chinnery, Philip D. Any Time, Any Place: Fifty Years of the USAF Air Commando and Special Operations Forces, 1944–1994. Annapolis, Md: Naval Institute Press, 1994. {{ISBN|1557500371}}
  • Haas, Michael E. Apollo's Warriors: U.S. Air Force Special Operations During the Cold War. 2002, University Press of the Pacific, Honolulu. {{ISBN|978-1410200099}}.
  • Hebert, Adam J. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2005/March%202005/0305commandos.aspx "The Air Commandos"]. Air Force Magazine, March 2005 (vol. 88, no. 3).
  • Marquis, Susan L. Unconventional Warfare: Rebuilding U.S. Special Operations Forces. Washington, D.C.: Brookings Institution, 1997. {{ISBN|0815754760}}
  • Pushies, Fred J. Deadly Blue Battle Stories of the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command. New York: American Management Assoc, 2009. [http://www.books24x7.com/marc.asp?bookid=32471 Books24x7]. {{ISBN|978-0814413616}}
  • Sine, William F. Guardian Angel: Life and Death Adventures with Pararescue, the World's Most Powerful Commando Rescue Force. Havertown, Pa: Casemate, 2012. {{ISBN|978-1612001227}}

External links

{{Commons category|Air Force Special Operations Command}}

  • [https://www.afsoc.af.mil/ Air Force Special Operations Command home page]—Official AFSOC public site
  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20120220035631/http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=156 AFSOC Factsheet] public site
  • [https://www.af.mil/ United States Air Force] official website
  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20090630120500/http://www.shadowspear.com/united-states-special-operations/air-force-special-operations/index.1.html ShadowSpear Special Operations: AFSOC]

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{{Air Force Special Operations Command}}

{{US Special Operations Forces}}

Special Operations Command

Category:Special operations commands of the United States Armed Forces

Category:Military units and formations in Florida

Category:Military units and formations established in 1983

Category:Air force special forces units