The 353rd Special Operations Wing located at Kadena Air Base, Japan is comprised of approximately 1000 Airmen and is the only Air Force Special Operations unit in the Pacific. The 353 SOW is the focal point for special operations aviation activities throughout the Pacific. Under operational control of the commander,  Special Operations Command Pacific, the 353 SOW plans and executes general war and contingency operations using advanced aircraft, tactics and techniques to infiltrate, exfiltrate, resupply and support special operations forces. 

The 353rd Special Operations Wing traces its origins to the 3rd Air Commando Group and the 553rd Reconnaissance Wing. First activated as the 353rd Special Operations Wing at Clark Air Base in the Philippines April 6, 1989, the Air Force radically reorganized in 1992 in order to drawdown the size of headquarters staffs. During the process the 353 SOW was re-designated the 353rd Special Operations Group, effective Dec. 1, 1992. On July 14, 2021, the 353 SOW was re-designated back to the 353rd Special Operations Wing. 

MISSION

Develop and employ Air Commandos for competition, crisis, and contingencies to ensure a Free and Open Indo-Pacific

VISION

Empowered Air Commandos delivering full-spectrum advantage for the combined Joint Force

PRIORITIES