• Thai Cave Rescue: Two Years Later

    The two year anniversary of the Thai-led, multi-national operation to rescue the Wild Boar youth football team from Tham Luang cave park was remembered recently. The rescue happened July 8-10 2018 and involved a highly organized and synchronized effort involving critical coordination with multiple

  • Misawa, Kadena Airmen train at Draughon Range

    Airmen assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron and the 320th Special Tactics Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, conducted close air support training at Draughon Range, near Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 15-17.

  • Exercise Gryphon Jet

    The 353rd Special Operations Group organized exercise Gryphon Jet from June 17-26, 2020 at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

  • 1st SOS legacy continues with the MC-130J

    In a unique Change of Command ceremony the 1st Special Operations Squadron gained a new commander and the responsibility for a fleet of MC-130J Air Commando IIs previously assigned to the 17th Special Operations Squadron on Friday, April 17, 2020.

  • DAGRE ensures force protection during Gryphon Pacific 20-1

    Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Element operations are an essential part of the expeditionary basing concept. Special operators are able to go anywhere and establish an airfield in order to bring in forces, refuel, rearm, and continue the mission wherever it’s needed. The purpose of Gryphon

  • Anytime, Anywhere: Gryphon Pacific 20-1 challenges Special Operators

    The purpose of the Gryphon Pacific 20-1 was to exercise the 353rd Special Operations Group’s ability to employ lethal, agile, resilient forces throughout the United States Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. Airmen hailing from Kadena Air Base, Japan, and assigned to the 18th Wing and 353rd SOG,

  • Team Kadena conducts Exercise Gryphon Pacific

    The purpose of the Gryphon Pacific 20-1 was to exercise the 353rd Special Operations Group’s ability to employ lethal, agile, resilient forces throughout the United States Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. Airmen hailing from Kadena Air Base, Japan, and assigned to the 18th Wing and 353rd SOG,

  • Followers to Friends: Japanese Twitter fans explore Kadena

    What do a breathalyzer, a recycling center, a go-cart, and an MC-130J Commando II have in common? They were all showcased to more than 35 visitors to Kadena Air Base during an observation tour which displayed the 18th Wing’s commitment to drunk driving prevention, stewardship of the environment,