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NATO Air Policing operations — U.S. Air Force News

April 11, 2025
Around the Air Force: Skyraider II Delivers Lethality, Strengthening Aeromedical Support, Deployable Combat Wings

In this week’s look Around the Air Force, Special Operations Command accepts the first missionized OA-1K Skyraider II, the 48O aeromedical physician designation addresses a critical shortage of flight surgeons, and the announcement of candidate locations to build deployable combat wings.
April 8, 2025
98-year-old pilot sees Skyraider legacy live on in AFSOC’s OA-1K Skyraider II

Joined by his family and members of AFSOC, retired Lt. Col. Bill Buice watched as the first missionized OA-1K Skyraider II arrived at Hurlburt Field. That moment brought back a wave of memories during his time piloting the Skyraider in the Vietnam War 60 years ago.
Feb. 12, 2025
352nd SOW, Finnish Utti Jaeger Regiment strengthen NATO’s interoperability in austere weather environments

The training included airdrop operations in cold weather conditions utilizing the 352nd SOW’s MC-130J Commando II.
Dec. 13, 2024
Kirtland AFB to gain 306th Intelligence Squadron

The Department of the Air Force selected Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, as the preferred location to host the 306th Intelligence Squadron.
Oct. 16, 2024
AFSOC activates 11th Air Task Force

The 11th ATF was activated during a ceremony at Davis-Monthan AFB. The 11th ATF will serve as one of six of the Air Force’s units of action available to meet global combatant command requirements.
Oct. 9, 2024
A-29 Super Tucano joins Air Force Test Pilot School fleet

Three A-29 Super Tucanos joined the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB modernizing and expanding TPS curriculum to accelerate the fielding of combat capability for the U.S. Air Force.
Aug. 1, 2024
CV-22 accident investigation report released

The aircraft, assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing at Yokota Air Base, Japan, was participating in a joint inter-operability exercise when the mishap occurred.
July 23, 2024
Last T-1 Jayhawk flight from JBSA-Randolph to Davis-Monthan AFB marks end of era

The United States Air Force's T-1A Jayhawk made its final flight with the 99th Flying Training Squadron July 15, soaring from Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph in Texas to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.
July 2, 2024
Conley takes command of AFSOC

Lt. Gen. Michael Conley assumed command of AFSOC from Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind during a change of command ceremony at Hurlburt Field.
March 21, 2024
Emerald Warrior tests air commandos' mettle

This U.S. Special Operations Command-supported exercise aligned with the Special Operations Command-Europe exercise Trojan Footprint under the large-scale global exercise construct.
March 1, 2024
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Sept. 14, 2023
Ready to compete, fight, win: AMC, PACAF, AFSOC commanders address AFA attendees

Three MAJCOM commanders participated in a panel titled, “Ready to Compete, Fight, and Win in the Indo-Pacific" Sept. 13 at AFA.
Feb. 18, 2023
Special warfare, Air Force recruiting teams develop programs, scour nation to attract candidates

The capabilities that special warfare graduates provide are as needed today as ever before. That reality is the reason program leaders are working hard to attract a group of candidates who are broad, diverse and committed.
Jan. 26, 2023
Kendall, Jones visit Hurlburt Field to observe AFSOC's readiness for future operational environment

During the visit, the senior leaders flew on AFSOC aircraft and attended demonstrations illustrating AFSOC's capabilities and adaptability to the future operational environment.
Jan. 23, 2023
24 SOW D-Cell, pioneers of the ACE concept, hone arctic skills in Alaska

The team spent their time in Alaska operating out of Camp Mad Bull, a training area on JBER designed to provide realistic austere operating conditions to test unit capabilities.
Dec. 12, 2022
Bauernfeind new leader of air commandos

Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind assumed command of Air Force Special Operations Command during a ceremony at Hurlburt Field Dec. 9.
Nov. 3, 2022
AFSOC receives final AC-130J

Air Force Special Operations command received its final AC-130J Ghostrider, which completes the command's transition from its legacy AC-130 variants.
Sept. 7, 2022
Airman accelerates change through persistence, develops tool for RPAs

Master Sgt. Bridget Carroll reduced cargo taken on an MQ-1 Predator alert package with the creation of a “bird-in-a-box” later known as the Digital Aircraft Link Emulator, or DALE.
Sept. 2, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Aug. 26, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Aug. 19, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
July 4, 2022
Historic highway landing advances Agile Combat Employment

The Air National Guard, Air Force Special Operations Command and Air Force Reserves landed, took off and performed integrated combat turns on a closed 9,000-foot section of Michigan highway M-28 during exercise Northern Agility 22-1.
June 16, 2022
First in-air refueling between KC-46, AFSOC CV-22

The 20th Special Operations Squadron and 349th Air Refueling Squadron brought a CV-22 Osprey and KC-46 Pegasus together for in-air refueling training over Cannon AFB early June.
May 21, 2022
AFSOC incorporates weapon systems cyber defense in Emerald Warrior 22.1

The exercise fused cyber effects into aircraft operations and employed two mission defense teams, with the cyber defense correlation cell and demonstrated how AFSOC will deploy MDTs to defend weapon systems from cyber-attacks.
April 27, 2022
Emerald Warrior 22 prepares air commandos for strategic competition

Air Force Special Operations Command is hosting the 15th annual Emerald Warrior exercise at multiple locations across the Southeast U.S.
April 5, 2022
CSAF visits Hurlburt Field

The visit to Hurlburt Field and Air Force Special Operations Command familiarized Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., with AFSOC’s Force Generation Model.
Feb. 25, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Jan. 6, 2022
AFSOC History Office wins 2021 Air Force Excellence in Command History Program Award

The award recognizes the best primary or field command history office for outstanding history and heritage programs leadership that provided exemplary historical services to improve organizational effectiveness, esprit de corps, and combat capability.
Dec. 23, 2021
Air Force operational C2 advisors provide more than just advice

The Air Force’s senior advisors in the Operational Command Training Program had a busy 2021, connecting the strategic-level Joint All Domain Command and Control concept to operational-level command and control organizations.
Dec. 4, 2021
Special tactics Airmen compete together for Team USA bobsledding

Maj. Chris Walsh, a special tactics officer, and Staff Sgt. Matt Beach, a combat controller, competed together at the International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation North American Cup for a chance to represent Team USA at the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Nov. 17, 2021
34th SOS validates U-28 SOFORGEN, ACE concepts

SOFORGEN replaces the current Air Expeditionary Force construct with a 20-month cycle, comprised of four, five-month phases of readiness.
Oct. 28, 2021
Air Force supports historic Army Warfighter exercise

Warfighter Exercise 22-1 was Victory Corps' final certifying exercise in becoming the U.S. Army's fourth corps headquarters and America's forward-deployed corps in Europe.
Sept. 16, 2021
Answering the call: Special tactics Airmen conclude Haiti earthquake relief efforts

The special tactics Airmen were alerted on the morning of Aug. 16 that they would augment Joint Task Force-Haiti relief efforts. With the help of C-146A Wolfhound aircrews, assigned to the 492nd and 919th Special Operations Wings, the team touched down in Port Au Prince, Haiti, within 36 hours.
Aug. 19, 2021
Special tactics Airmen augment Haiti earthquake humanitarian relief efforts

Special tactics Airmen assigned to the 24th Special Operations Wing are responding to a request to augment humanitarian aid efforts in Haiti following a 7.2 magnitude earthquake on Aug. 14.
Aug. 5, 2021
New Force Generation model builds high-end readiness, sustainability for Joint Force

The Air Force announced today it is in the final phases of transitioning to a new force generation model to balance today’s combatant commander needs while building high-end readiness for the future.
July 30, 2021
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
May 9, 2021
Special tactics training complex dedicated to fallen STO

To honor a fallen special tactics officer’s actions and courageous leadership, the 24th Special Operations Wing along with friends and family hosted a dedication ceremony in Capt. Matthew Roland’s honor, May 6 at Hurlburt Field, Florida.
Feb. 22, 2021
2020 Vice Chief’s Challenge winners announced

The challenge, which launched in February 2020, focused on identifying time-consuming tasks that provide the least direct value to generating combat effects; proposing innovative solutions to streamline current processes through the novel application of technology; and partnering directly with
Dec. 8, 2020
Special Tactics Airman to be awarded Air Force Cross

Staff Sgt. Alaxey Germanovich, a Special Tactics combat controller with the 26th Special Tactics Squadron, 24th Special Operations Wing, Air Force Special Operations Command, will be awarded the nation’s second highest medal for gallantry against an armed enemy of the U.S. in combat.
Nov. 20, 2020
Air Force selects Kirtland AFB for AC-130J FTU

The Air Force selected Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico as the preferred location for the relocation of the AC-130J Ghostrider Formal Training Unit from Hurlburt Field, Florida.
Nov. 18, 2020
53rd WEG hosts simultaneous WSEPs in Florida, Utah

The evaluations included more than 86 aircraft participating at two installations, Tyndall Air Force Base and Hill AFB, Utah, in live-fire air-to-air and air-to-ground evaluations.
Nov. 3, 2020
AFSOC transformation begins with people

After nearly 20 years of fighting the Global War on Terrorism, processes and decisions formulated to address an almost singular focus on counter-violent extremist organizations are being challenged, as AFSOC transforms to the “AFSOC We Will Need.”
Oct. 5, 2020
24th SOW transitions responsibility of the 17th STS

In August 2013, the squadron, originally known as the 17th Air Operations Support Squadron, was re-designated as the 17th STS by then-Col. Robert Armfield, the 24th SOWs first wing commander.
Sept. 5, 2020
Special Tactics unit surpasses 6,900 days combating war in Middle East

For the men and women of the 17th Special Tactics Squadron, since their initial response to the GWOT in October 2001, there have been no breaks in deployments and combat operations for more than 6,900 days in support of operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Freedom’s Sentinel and Resolute
July 20, 2020
SecAF visits Pope Army Airfield

Barrett spent the day meeting and discussing joint operations and the integral part the Air Force plays during global responses.
July 13, 2020
Special tactics Airmen integrate combat capabilities during exercise Commando Crucible

To meet the standards required for deployment, special tactics teams completed exercise Commando Crucible, from June 18-July 3, at Hurlburt Field and in Kinston, North Carolina.
June 10, 2020
Special tactics wing, AFRL develop smartphone app to mitigate COVID-19 risk

Medical and Preservation of the force and family team members of the 24th Special Operations Wing, headquartered at Hurlburt Field teamed up with the Air Force Research Laboratory to develop a way to monitor special tactics operators’ health status during the pandemic straight from their
May 28, 2020
AFRL, AFSOC launch palletized weapons from cargo plane

This successful Phase I operational demonstration represents a milestone in executing a palletized munitions airdrop, which refers to the delivery of a large volume of air-launched weapons at any given time.
May 1, 2020
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
April 29, 2020
Special Tactics Airmen support vital training, maintain readiness through COVID-19

Special Tactics Airmen from the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron conducted interoperability training with the 14th Weapons Squadron assigned to the U.S. Air Force Weapons School detachment at Hurlburt Field for a special operations force exercise, April 22.
Nov. 26, 2019
Special tactics Airman battled through injuries, presented with Silver Star

Tech. Sgt. Cody Smith, a special tactics combat controller with the 26th Special Tactics Squadron, 24th Special Operations Wing was presented with the Silver Star Medal during a ceremony, Nov. 22.
Nov. 25, 2019
Special tactics chief awarded Silver Star for countering overwhelming Afghan ambush

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Chris Grove, a Special Tactics combat controller assigned as the 720th Special Tactics Group superintendent, delivered thousands of pounds of munition, securing the safety of his joint and partner forces, and now he’s receiving the Silver Star Medal.
Oct. 25, 2019
Air Force requests proposals for light attack aircraft

The Air Force plans to purchase two to three light attack aircraft from each manufacturer to help support the National Defense Strategy’s focus on building allies and partner capacity, capability and interoperability via training and experimentation.
Oct. 10, 2019
Special Tactics Airman killed in training incident

Kraines enlisted in the United States Air Force in March 2011. He immediately entered the two-year pararescue training program.
July 25, 2019
Kentucky Air Guard home to DoD’s only search and rescue dog

In response to scenarios like the Haitian earthquake, Parsons spearheaded a new approach, developing the squadron’s Search and Rescue K-9 program. The effort, launched in 2018, is designed to increase the capabilities of disaster response teams in locating and recovering personnel through the use of
July 18, 2019
Final AC-130U Spooky returns from combat deployment

While still on alert to respond to contingencies as needed for the next few months, the Spooky is being replaced downrange by the AC-130J Ghostrider, the most lethal and innovative gunship in the world.
June 28, 2019
Slife takes command of AFSOC

At a ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Florida, June 28, Lt. Gen. Jim Slife took command of Air Force Special Operations Command. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein, presided over the ceremony where Slife took over for Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, who will go on to serve as the commander of Air
May 24, 2019
Around the Air Force: Weather Team Airmen / Avionics Course / C-130 Tech / ALS Changes

Today's look around the Air Force features Special Operations Weather teams transitioning to Special Reconnaissance, an F-15 Fighting Falcon avionics course moving completely to electronic media for training, C-130 Hercules technology and research with the University of Dayton Research Institute,
May 22, 2019
Inspiring speakers, technologies welcome attendees to AFRL Inspire, Tech Expo

Sponsored by AFRL’s Learning Office, Inspire showcases the innovative ideas and passionate people AFRL has to offer as they provide entertaining and thought-provoking talks.
March 13, 2019
4th Special Operations Squadron receives first AC-130J Ghostrider

The 4th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, is now home to Air Force Special Operations Command’s newest aircraft – the Block 30 AC-130J Ghostrider gunship.Similar to the Block 20 AC-130Js flown by the 73rd Special Operations Squadron, the Block 30 upgrade marks a major improvement in
March 1, 2019
Air Force Special Tactics 830-mile march for fallen culminates with memorial ceremony

Twenty Special Tactics Airmen will culminate their 830-mile Special Tactics Memorial March for fallen brethren on March 4 with a memorial ceremony hosted by Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlbert Field. The ruck marchers will finish their journey along Highway 98/Miracle Strip Highway
Jan. 25, 2019
‘Til Valhalla’: Special Tactics combat controller laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery

Staff Sgt. Dylan Elchin, a Special Tactics combat controller assigned to the 26th Special Tactics Squadron, was honored as hundreds gathered in the rain and he was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, Jan. 24, 2019.
Nov. 30, 2018
Kentucky Air Guardsmen earn Bronze Star Medals

Five members of the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron were awarded Bronze Star Medals during a ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base Nov. 17, for outstanding selflessness and bravery in the defense of the United States.
Nov. 3, 2018
2nd CWSS helps restore operations after Hurricane Michael

Just four days after Hurricane Michael’s landfall, Tech. Sgts. Jacob Reinhardt and Thomas Heath, 2nd Combat Weather Systems Squadron weather systems support cadre members from Hurlburt Field, Florida, jumped into the squadron’s pickup truck.
Sept. 11, 2018
Air Force officials select three captains for Ph.D. program

Air Force officials have selected three primary and three alternate captains for the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Captains Prestigious Ph.D. Program.
Sept. 11, 2018
When can I get my OCPs?

The official wear date for the operational camouflage pattern uniform is Oct. 1.
May 15, 2018
24 Airmen awarded DFCs at Hurlburt Field

There were 808 lives that hung in the balance as terrorists launched coordinated attacks against friendly forces. Joint special operations teams were exposed and under duress as AC-130U Spooky Gunship crews circled above, pushing the limits of gun barrels to the melting point and providing precision
May 14, 2018
Air Force transitions to a single combat uniform

Air Force leaders announced the service will move to a single combat utility uniform, adopting the Operational Camouflage Pattern, or OCP, already in use by the Army and Airmen in combat zones and in certain jobs across the Air Force.
Feb. 20, 2018
SOST members earn Bronze Star Medals

The brightly lit, inviting atrium of the University of Alabama Hospital is a far cry from the two room, concrete-walled farmhouse in the Middle East where the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Surgical Team, based out of the UAB, deployed in 2016. During their four-month tour at that casualty
Dec. 20, 2017
Around the Air Force: Dec. 20

On this look Around the Air Force, the Silver Star Medal is awarded to a special tactics chief master sergeant, the Pacific Air Forces commander visits the Philippines and MQ-9 Reapers are used to track wildfires in southern California.
Dec. 18, 2017
Finding the way: Special tactics chief awarded Silver Star

Chief Master Sgt. Michael West, 24th Special Operations Wing special tactics operator, utilized 58 coalition aircraft delivering 24,000 pounds of munitions, turning the tide of battle, and now he’s receiving the Silver Star Medal.
Nov. 30, 2017
Special Tactics Airmen survey airfields to gain an operational advantage

Special Tactics Airmen from Air Force Special Operations Command conducted multiple airfield surveys with their Afghan Air Force counterparts in Faryab province this week. Airfield surveys are executed prior to the arrival of special operations and conventional aircraft to traditional airfields and
Oct. 19, 2017
Around the Air Force: Oct. 19

On this look around the Air Force, Air Force Special Operations Command Airmen are awarded the Air Force Cross and Air Medal, and U.S. Air Forces in Europe signs a joint exercise agreement with Nordic Air Chiefs. Hosted by Airman 1st Class Jasmine Vanderheyden.
Oct. 18, 2017
SecAF awards Air Force Cross, 10 medals to Air Commandos

Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson awarded ten valorous medals, including the Air Force Cross, to Air Force Special Operations Command air commandos in a ceremony, Oct. 17, 2017 held at Hurlburt Field.
Sept. 21, 2017
Operator recognized for exceptional service with aircrew

Tech. Sgt. Nathan, 25th Intelligence Squadron direct support operator, along with his fellow aircrew members were recently selected as the recipients of the Air Force Association's 2017 Lt. Gen. William H. Tunner Award..
May 16, 2017
Special Operations Command aircrew recognized for meritorious flight

Every year, an aircrew is selected for the Clarence Mackay Trophy for accomplishing the most meritorious flight of the year. This year, an AC-130U aircrew from Air Force Special Operations Command, which included one of 25th Air Force’s outstanding Airmen, was recognized with the honor.
May 3, 2017
Special Operations Surgical Team doctor to receive Jackson Foundation award

Four hundred fourteen trauma evaluations, 141 gunshot wounds, 270 blast injuries, 102 damage-control resuscitations, 51 chest tubes, 21 intubations and 15 urgent surgical operations…for some this may be a list of numbers and medical jargon.For others, it meant life instead of death.
Sept. 15, 2015
Special operations: getting technical

As the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference Technology Exposition continued Sept. 15, senior leaders from around the Air Force discussed the topics that mean the most to them.
July 31, 2015
AF Special Operations Command receives first AC-130J

The first AC-130J Ghostrider landed at Hurlburt Field, Florida, July 29, making it Air Force Special Operations Command’s first AC-130J.
Dec. 17, 2014
PJ’s extraordinary heroism earns an Air Force Cross

Recognizing extraordinary heroism shown in combat, Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James presented the Air Force Cross to an Air Commando during a ceremony here, Dec. 17.
July 14, 2014
Around the world in 27 days

The first continuous mission around the world for the MC-130J Commando II, the Air Force Special Operations Command's newest platform, ended successfully July 9 with the aircraft's safe return to Cannon Air Force Base, N.M.
Feb. 9, 2014
New AC-130J completes first test flight

After more than a year of modification maintenance, the newly created AC-130J Ghostrider took to the sky for the first time as a gunship here Jan. 31.

U.S. Air Force News