News

Aug. 1, 2025
Airmen rapidly deploy to support Philippine disaster relief efforts

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.
June 23, 2025
353 SOW welcomes new commander

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
June 10, 2025
Submissions Open for Thunder Dome 2026 Innovation Competition

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
May 5, 2025
Skyraider wing returns to the 353rd SOW, reuniting a legacy of courage and commitment

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.
April 23, 2025
Air Commandos augment Thailand earthquake search and recovery efforts

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.
April 17, 2025
To have and to hold – 353 SOW Spouse Appreciation Day

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.
Dec. 20, 2024
353 SOW refines capabilities in Viking Jet 25-1

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.
Dec. 4, 2024
Gundam 22 U.S. – Japan Friendship Memorial: One year on from Yakushima

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
Nov. 12, 2024
U.S. - Japan Friendship Memorial Dedication Ceremony

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.
Oct. 25, 2024
21 SOS, SOAMXS commit to proficiency with CV-22 precautionary landing practice

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.