• 320th Special Tactics Squadron welcomes new commander

    U.S. Air Force Col. William Freeman, 353rd Special Operations Group commander, passes the guidon to U.S. Air Force Maj. Joel Buelow, 320th Special Tactics Squadron commander, during the 320th STS change of command on Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 23, 2016. (U.S. Air Force photo by Naoto Anazawa)

  • Building strategic partnerships

    Members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and Ground Self-Defense Force toured the 353rd Special Operations Group here June 21, in order to create partnerships between military members from both nations.The JASDF and JGSDF officers started their day with a briefing on the mission and capabilities

  • 353rd SOMXS Maintainers keep the MC-130J Commando II flying

    Shaun Smith strapped himself to an anchor point inside his MC-130J Commando II cargo plane to observe in-flight refueling with an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter April, 2015, over the Philippine Sea.From the open cargo bay door, Smith watched Pave Hawk pilots skillfully maneuver their aircraft into

  • June Batcat Spotlight

    Name: Airman 1st Class Shayla CoxSquadron: 353rd Special Support Operations SquadronJob and duty title: Logistics PlannerHometown: Harrisburg, Penn. Time in Service: 2 yearsWhat is your favorite part about your job? My favorite part of my job is being able to travel the Pacific and seeing

  • 1st SOS holds change of command

    U.S. Air Force Col. William Freeman, 353rd Special Operations Group commander, passes the guidon to U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David Lucas, 1st Special Operations Squadron commander, during the 1st SOS change of command on Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 6, 2016. The passing of the guidon is the exact

  • May Batcat Spotlight

    Name: Capt Larry SepassiSquadron: 353rd Special Operations Maintenance SquadronJob and duty title: Maintenance Operations OfficerHometown: San Diego, CATime in Service: 10 years What is your favorite part about your job? The best part of my job is making an impact to our younger generation along

  • 353rd SOG FM flight earns DOD award

    The 353rd Special Operations Group Financial Management flight from Kadena Air Base, Japan, was recently named the Under Secretary of Defense Comptroller 2015 Financial Management Award recipients for contribution in budget formulation and execution below major command level.

  • Before you fly that new drone: know the rules

    With sales of drones expected to approach 700,000 this season, near-misses with military and commercial aircraft have increased. Federal Aviation Administration statistics show a surge in "close call with drone" reports by military and civilian pilots: nearly 700 incidents in 2015, roughly triple