• Combat controller awarded three medals for heroism

    A combat controller assigned to the 320th Special Tactics Squadron was presented three medals he earned while supporting operations in Afghanistan during a ceremony here April 16.Staff Sgt. Jeremy King, who was a senior airman during the deployment, was presented with the Bronze Star, Purple Heart

  • SOG, Team Kadena Airmen mourn loss of officer

    More than 550 353rd Special Operations Group and Team Kadena Airmen filled Chapel Three and its annex to remember and mourn the loss of 2nd Lt. Stephen Smith at his memorial service here April 15.The 28-year-old lieutenant, a maintenance officer with the 353rd Maintenance Squadron, was found dead

  • Memorial service set for Kadena Airman

    A memorial service in honor of 2nd Lt. Stephen Smith is scheduled for 3 p.m. April 15 at Chapel Three here."Our group is heavyhearted over the tragic loss of our fellow Air Commando, Lt "Smitty" Smith of our maintenance squadron," said Col. Robert Toth, 353rd Special Operations Group commander.

  • SOG supports US, ROK friendship drop

    Aircrews from the 17th Special Operations Squadron supported combined airdrops between the U.S. and Republic of Korea armies here April 2. More than 70 U.S. and ROK Army soldiers jumped from two MC-130P Combat Shadows as part of a friendship jump between the two armies.

  • Air commandos hone skills during mass casualty scenario

    Pararescuemen and combat controllers from the 320th Special Tactics Squadron participated in a mass casualty exercise here March 27 during an operational readiness exercise. The Air Commandos responded to a simulated helicopter crash with 20 casualties. After stabilizing the wounded members, the

  • STS Airmen conduct CSAR training

    Pararescuemen and a combat controller from the 320th Special Tactics Squadron participated in a combat search and rescue exercise here March 26 during an operational readiness exercise. The five pararescuemen located and treated two simulated injured aircrew members that ejected from their aircraft

  • Air Commandos train for readiness exercise

    Airmen from the 353rd Special Operations Group underwent final training and education classes here March 19 in preparation for the group's annual operational readiness exercise.  The exercise affords unit members an opportunity to practice wartime skills necessary for their ability to survive and

  • SOG Airmen recognized for volunteer efforts

    Members of the 353rd Maintenance Squadron were honored by Okinawa City Mayor Mitsuko Tomon Dec. 11 with a certificate of appreciation for their support of the Rainbow Heights Single Mothers Shelter. The Airmen of the 353rd MXS make several trips each year to the shelter to donate toys, sports

  • Air Commandos selected for top enlisted rank

    Air Force officials recently selected three senior master sergeants assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Group for promotion to chief master sergeant Nov. 5. The selectees are: Andrew Dzurissin, 17th Special Operations Squadron, Lonnie Ranger, 353rd Maintenance Squadron, and Mark Smith, 320th