Introduction to the 352nd Special Operations Wing
The 352nd Special Operations Wing, also known as the 352nd SOW, is a unit of the United States Air Force that specializes in special operations. The wing is part of the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and is based at RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom. The 352nd SOW is responsible for providing air support to special operations forces, including transportation, rescue, and intelligence gathering.
History of the 352nd Special Operations Wing
The 352nd SOW has its roots in World War II, when it was established as a bomber group in 1942. The unit saw action in Europe during the war, flying B-17 Flying Fortress bombers. After the war, the group was inactivated, but it was reactivated in the 1960s as a tactical fighter group. In the 1980s, the unit was redesignated as a special operations wing and began to focus on special operations missions.
Mission of the 352nd Special Operations Wing
The primary mission of the 352nd SOW is to provide air support to special operations forces. This includes: * Transportation of special operations personnel and equipment * Rescue of personnel in hostile or hard-to-reach areas * Intelligence gathering using specialized aircraft and sensors * Close air support for special operations teams The wing uses a variety of aircraft to accomplish its mission, including the MC-130J Commando II, the CV-22 Osprey, and the MQ-9 Reaper.
Units of the 352nd Special Operations Wing
The 352nd SOW is composed of several units, including: * 352nd Operations Group: responsible for the wing’s flying operations * 352nd Maintenance Group: responsible for maintaining the wing’s aircraft * 352nd Mission Support Group: responsible for providing support services such as logistics, communications, and security * 352nd Medical Group: responsible for providing medical support to the wing’s personnel
Operations of the 352nd Special Operations Wing
The 352nd SOW has been involved in a number of operations around the world, including: * Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan * Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq * Operation Inherent Resolve in Syria and Iraq * Operation Atlantic Resolve in Europe The wing has also participated in a number of exercises and training events to maintain its readiness and prepare for future operations.
📝 Note: The 352nd SOW is a highly classified unit, and much of its operations and activities are not publicly disclosed.
Equipment and Aircraft of the 352nd Special Operations Wing
The 352nd SOW uses a variety of aircraft and equipment to accomplish its mission, including: * MC-130J Commando II: a specialized transport aircraft used for transportation and rescue missions * CV-22 Osprey: a tiltrotor aircraft used for transportation and special operations missions * MQ-9 Reaper: an unmanned aerial vehicle used for intelligence gathering and close air support * Advanced sensors and communication systems: used for intelligence gathering and communication with special operations forces
| Aircraft | Role |
|---|---|
| MC-130J Commando II | Transportation and rescue |
| CV-22 Osprey | Transportation and special operations |
| MQ-9 Reaper | Intelligence gathering and close air support |
In summary, the 352nd Special Operations Wing is a highly specialized unit of the United States Air Force that provides air support to special operations forces. The wing has a rich history and has been involved in a number of operations around the world. Its aircraft and equipment are highly advanced and allow it to accomplish its mission in a variety of environments.
What is the primary mission of the 352nd Special Operations Wing?
+The primary mission of the 352nd SOW is to provide air support to special operations forces, including transportation, rescue, and intelligence gathering.
What types of aircraft does the 352nd SOW use?
+The 352nd SOW uses a variety of aircraft, including the MC-130J Commando II, the CV-22 Osprey, and the MQ-9 Reaper.
Where is the 352nd SOW based?
+The 352nd SOW is based at RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom.
