353rd Special Operations Group News

Airmen rapidly deploy to support Philippine disaster relief efforts

1st Lt. Cullen Drenkhahn — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 07:42:00 GMT

Within six hours of notification, Airmen from the 353rd Special Operations Wing shifted from training operations in northern Japan to deployment for crisis response operations in the Philippines.

353 SOW welcomes new commander

353d Special Operation Wing Public Affairs — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 02:41:00 GMT

The 353d Special Operations Wing welcomed its new commander, Col. Stewart Parker, during a change of command ceremony held June 18, 2025, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Parker assumed command from Col. Shawn Young during a ceremony presided over by Lt. Gen. Mike Conley, Air Force Special Operations Command Commander.

Submissions Open for Thunder Dome 2026 Innovation Competition

Pentagon News — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 16:16:00 GMT

Are you an Air Commando with an innovative idea that gets after strategic competition but need funding? If so, now is your chance to submit your idea for the opportunity to receive capital. The submission window is now open for AFSOC’s innovation competition known as Thunder Dome. All submissions received by September 5, 2025, will be considered.

Skyraider wing returns to the 353rd SOW, reuniting a legacy of courage and commitment

1st Lt. Cullen Drenkhahn — Mon, 05 May 2025 08:25:15 GMT

In a powerful and symbolic return, the wing from a downed A-1H Skyraider flown during the Vietnam War was recently discovered in Laos and has been rightfully returned to its legacy unit—the 353rd Special Operations Wing.

Air Commandos augment Thailand earthquake search and recovery efforts

Staff Sgt. Matthew Wisher — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 10:48:00 GMT

Air Commandos from the 353rd Special Operations Wing recently responded to a request from the Kingdom of Thailand, assisting in critical search and recovery operations in Bangkok following a devastating earthquake, March 29, 2025.

To have and to hold – 353 SOW Spouse Appreciation Day

Senior Airman Catherine Daniel — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 05:12:00 GMT

Military spouses with the 353rd Special Operations Wing participated in the annual 353rd SOW Spouse Appreciation Day at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 3, 2025.

353 SOW refines capabilities in Viking Jet 25-1

Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Wisher — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:01:29 GMT

Emergencies and crises can happen at any time and place. The 320th Special Tactics Squadron stands ready with the skill sets to assist. Recently they tested their capabilities during the units’ fifth iteration of Exercise Viking Jet from 9-13 December 2024.

Gundam 22 U.S. – Japan Friendship Memorial: One year on from Yakushima

Capt. Richard Caesar — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 09:59:00 GMT

Close to 100 military and civilian personnel from the United States and Japan gathered at the Yakushima Town Hall on 29 November 2024 to attend a ceremony dedicating a cenotaph to the eight heroes who died when their CV-22B Osprey went down just off the coast of the island last year and the joint effort expended to search for and recover them.

U.S. - Japan Friendship Memorial Dedication Ceremony

Capt. Richard Caesar — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 01:32:00 GMT

The 353rd Special Operations Wing will host a bilateral cenotaph dedication ceremony on November 29th, 2024, between the U.S. and Japan to honor the eight Airmen lost in a CV-22 Osprey mishap in November of 2023 and the Yakushima community’s contributions to the search and recovery effort.

21 SOS, SOAMXS commit to proficiency with CV-22 precautionary landing practice

Staff Sgt. Tristan Truesdell — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 05:56:00 GMT

The 21st Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 21st Special Operations Squadron practiced precautionary landing procedures with a U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey on the flight line at Yokota Air Base, Oct. 7.

Special operations forces cut through Kunsan’s rainy skies to demonstrate strike capability

Master Sgt. Michael Charles — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 11:59:00 GMT

The goal of the training was to ensure interoperability with coalition special operations forces partners in realistic training environments.

CV-22 flight operations resume at Yokota

374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 04:33:00 GMT

Units assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing stationed on Yokota Air Base, Japan, resumed CV-22 flight operations on July 2, 2024.

AFSOC Aircraft Mishap Releases

Pentagon News — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 23:50:00 GMT

UPDATE 16, January 11, 2024: After more than 40 days of intensive search, rescue, recovery and salvage efforts, the U.S. Military concluded operations following the CV-22 mishap that occurred on Nov. 29, 2023 off the shore of Yakushima Island, Japan.

21st Special Operations Squadron Change of Command

Pentagon News — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 22:13:00 GMT

A change of command ceremony was held on December 15, 2023, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, for the 21st Special Operations Squadron.

Airman of GUNDAM 22 posthumously promoted

Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 23:00:00 GMT

The Secretary of the Air Force posthumously promoted Captain Terrell “Terry” K. Brayman to the rank of Major, with an effective date of December 15, 2022 reflecting when Terry was selected for Major following the conclusion of the Air Force promotion board.

AFSOC Aircraft Mishap Releases

Pentagon News — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 17:21:00 GMT

UPDATE 14, December 12, 2023 1121CST:The U.S. Military, alongside the Japan Coast Guard, Japan

AFSOC Commander directs CV-22 operational standdown

Pentagon News — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, AFSOC Commander, directed an operational standdown of the Air Force CV-22 fleet December 6, 2023 to mitigate risk while the investigation continues on the November 29, 2023 CV-22 mishap near Yakushima, Japan.

Yokota establishes EFAC

Pentagon News — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 10:37:00 GMT

Effective immediately, Yokota Air Base has established an Emergency Family Assistance Center (EFAC)

MING XU

Pentagon News — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 15:00:00 GMT

Deputy Commander, 353d Special Operations Wing

ALEX J. EUDY

Pentagon News — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 14:05:00 GMT

Command Chief Master Sergeant, 353d Special Operations Wing