7 Facts About 352 Special Operations Wing

The 352 Special Operations Wing is a United States Air Force unit that plays a critical role in the country's special operations capabilities. As a part of the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), the 352 SOW is responsible for providing specialized airpower to support a wide range of missions, from counterterrorism to humanitarian assistance. In this article, we will delve into seven fascinating facts about the 352 Special Operations Wing.

Fact #1: History and Heritage The 352 Special Operations Wing has its roots in World War II, when it was first activated as the 352 Bombardment Group (Heavy) in 1942. The unit saw action in Europe, flying B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-24 Liberators on bombing missions against German targets. After the war, the group was deactivated, but it was reactivated in 1969 as the 352 Special Operations Wing, with a new focus on special operations.

Missions and Operations

The 352 Special Operations Wing is trained to conduct a wide range of missions, including:

Special Operations Forces (SOF) Support: The wing provides air support to special operations forces, such as Army Rangers and Navy SEALs, as they conduct missions behind enemy lines.
Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO): The wing is trained to evacuate civilians from hostile areas, using its aircraft to transport people to safety.
Humanitarian Assistance: The 352 SOW provides air support for humanitarian assistance missions, such as delivering aid to disaster-stricken areas.

Fact #2: Aircraft and Equipment The 352 Special Operations Wing operates a fleet of specialized aircraft, including:

MC-130J Commando II: A multi-mission aircraft used for special operations, NEO, and humanitarian assistance.
CV-22 Osprey: A tiltrotor aircraft used for special operations and NEO.
U-28A: A single-engine aircraft used for special operations and reconnaissance.

Training and Exercises

The 352 Special Operations Wing places a strong emphasis on training and exercises, to ensure that its personnel are prepared for the demands of special operations. The wing participates in a range of exercises, including:

Joint Exercises: The wing trains with other military branches and special operations forces to practice joint operations.
Simulated Missions: The wing conducts simulated missions to practice its skills and tactics.

Airmen from the 352 SOW Participate in a Joint Exercise

Fact #3: Locations and Deployments The 352 Special Operations Wing is headquartered at RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom, but its personnel and aircraft are deployed to a range of locations around the world, including:

Middle East: The wing has personnel and aircraft deployed to the Middle East, where they support special operations missions against terrorist groups.
Africa: The wing has a presence in Africa, where it supports special operations and humanitarian assistance missions.
Asia: The wing also has personnel and aircraft deployed to Asia, where they support special operations and NEO missions.

People and Culture

The 352 Special Operations Wing is made up of a diverse group of people, including pilots, maintainers, and support personnel. The wing places a strong emphasis on teamwork and camaraderie, recognizing that its personnel are its most valuable asset.

Airmen from the 352 SOW Gather for a Team-Building Event

Fact #4: Awards and Recognition The 352 Special Operations Wing has received a range of awards and recognition for its service, including:

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award: The wing has received this award multiple times, recognizing its outstanding performance and contributions to the Air Force.
Joint Meritorious Unit Award: The wing has received this award for its joint operations and contributions to the joint force.

Challenges and Opportunities

The 352 Special Operations Wing faces a range of challenges, including:

Terrorism: The wing is on the front lines of the fight against terrorism, and it must continually adapt to new threats and challenges.
Budget Constraints: The wing operates in a resource-constrained environment, and it must make the most of its limited resources.

Airmen from the 352 SOW Work to Overcome Challenges

Fact #5: Community Engagement The 352 Special Operations Wing is committed to community engagement and outreach, recognizing the importance of building strong relationships with the local community.

Base Tours: The wing offers base tours to local schools and community groups, providing a glimpse into its operations and mission.
Volunteer Work: The wing's personnel are encouraged to volunteer their time and skills to local charities and organizations.

The Future of the 352 SOW

As the 352 Special Operations Wing looks to the future, it is focused on adapting to emerging threats and challenges, while continuing to provide specialized airpower to support special operations forces.

Fact #6: Modernization and Upgrades The wing is continually modernizing and upgrading its aircraft and equipment, to ensure that it remains at the forefront of special operations.

New Aircraft: The wing is receiving new aircraft, such as the MC-130J Commando II, to replace older models.
Advanced Technology: The wing is incorporating advanced technology, such as precision-guided munitions, to enhance its capabilities.

Fact #7: Partnerships and Collaborations The 352 Special Operations Wing recognizes the importance of partnerships and collaborations, and it is working to build stronger relationships with its allies and partners.

International Partnerships: The wing is working to build partnerships with international partners, to enhance its capabilities and contribute to global security.
Industry Partnerships: The wing is also working with industry partners to develop new technologies and capabilities.

352 Special Operations Wing Image Gallery

We hope you've enjoyed learning more about the 352 Special Operations Wing. From its rich history to its modern-day missions, the 352 SOW is an important part of the US Air Force's special operations capabilities. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.