HSC-85 supports SOF at Talisman Saber 2017

U.S. Air Force 320th Special Tactics Squadron combat controllers and U.S. Marine Corps 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion operators exit two U.S. Navy HH-60H Sea Hawk helicopters assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron-85 (HSC-85) following their extraction July 13, 2017 from Shoalwater Bay Training

Joint HAHO jumps at Talisman Saber 2017

A U.S. Marine Corps 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion jumpmaster puts on his helmet on in preparation for high altitude, high opening (HAHO) jump operations July 11, 2017, over Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, Australia during Talisman Saber 2017. The training exercise conducted between the

Intelligence driving operations at Talisman Saber 2017

Though hidden behind the scenes, the intelligence analysts of the 353rd Special Operations Group and their Australian counterparts paint the big picture of the warfighting scenario for Talisman Saber 2017, a biennial military training exercise from 23 June to 25 July throughout various locations in

Bringing lightning to the fight

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan – U.S. Marines and Airmen conducted the first ever joint forward area refueling point exercise involving the F-35B Lighting II June 26, at Kadena Air Base, Japan.

SOF leadership visits the 353rd SOG

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Daniel Yoo, commander of Special Operations Command Pacific and Air Force Special Operations Command Chief Master Sgt. Gregory Smith visited the 353rd Special Operations Group June 19,

AFSOC Command Chief meets with Airmen

Air Force Special Operations Command Chief Master Sgt. Gregory Smith met with the enlisted members of the 353rd Special Operations Group during an all-call June 19 at Kadena Air Base, Japan.“I wanted them to realize what an impact they have on this theater,” said Smith. “When we talk about all the

Day of the JAKAL

The JAKALs of the 17th Special Operations Squadron observed their annual ‘Day of the Jakal’ with a mass launch of five U.S. Air Force Special Operations MC-130J Commando IIs, June 22, 2017 at Kadena Air Base and Ie Shima Range, Okinawa, Japan.  “It’s a great way to showcase the abilities of both the

Fit For Flight

The 353 SOG and JASDF complete Exercise Teak Jet

Members of the 353rd Special Operations Group, from Kadena Air Base, Japan built on relationships with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Hamamatsu Air Rescue Squadron, based at Komaki Air Base and Komatsu Air Rescue Squadron, during Exercise Teak Jet, which took place June 9-21, 2017 at

353rd SOG welcomes new commander

The Pacific Air Commandos from the 353rd Special Operations Group welcomed their new commander during a change of command ceremony June 19 at Kadena Air Base, Japan.U.S. Air Force Col. William Freeman relinquished command of the 353rd SOG to U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Kirby, formerly 353rd SOG deputy