• Air Commandos take advantage of relief efforts to further partnerships

    After a 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastated Padang, Indonesia different nations around the world quickly offered assistance. Unknown by most, on Oct. 2 the first foreign military aircraft to deliver humanitarian aid to the affected region would be a 17th Special Operations Squadron MC-130P Combat

  • SOG Airmen continue supporting Indonesian relief efforts

    Air Commandos from the 353rd Special Operations Group continue supporting humanitarian relief operations more than one week after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake and a large aftershock struck near Padang in western Indonesia. Approximately 60 members of the 353rd SOG are in Indonesia at several locations

  • Pacific Air Commandos aid Indonesian recovery operations

    Members of the 353rd Special Operations Group are supporting humanitarian relief operations near Padang in western Indonesia after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake and a slightly smaller one struck Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. Members of the 320th Special Tactics Squadron and 17th Special Operations Squadron were

  • SOG lieutenants selected for promotion

    Air Force officials recently selected nine first lieutenants from the 353rd Special Operations Group for promotion to captain. The selected first lieutenants are: Michael Bien, 1st Special Operations SquadronDaniel Gipper, 17th Special Operations SquadronMichael Malone, 1st Special Operations

  • Celebrating 20 years at Kadena

    Aug. 1 marks the 17th Special Operations Squadron's 20th consecutive year stationed at Kadena Air Base. The 17th Special Operations Squadron was activated on Aug. 1, 1989, utilizing personnel and equipment formerly assigned to the fixed wing elements of the 33rd Air Rescue Squadron. Although the

  • Pacific Air Commandos train with Philippine Air Force during Teak Piston

    Two MC-130P Combat Shadows and approximately 90 Airmen from the 353rd Special Operations Group joined forces with several Philippines Air Force units here and at Mactan Air Base June 15 - 26 to train together for Teak Piston 09-2. The training exchange was designed to enhance U.S and Philippine

  • SOG Airmen donate gifts to RMAF school children

    Airmen from the 353rd Special Operations Group, Kadena AB shared off-duty time and donated items to improve the quality of life of over 100 children from the school on a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) base here June 12. The Airmen raised more than $1,600 and donated sporting equipment, books and

  • New commander takes charge of Pacific Air Commandos

    A new leader accepted command of the Air Force's only special operations unit in the Pacific region here June 10 during a change of command ceremony. Col. Robert Toth accepted command of the 353rd Special Operations Group from Col. David Mullins in the ceremony presided by Lt. Gen. Donny Wurster,