Air Commandos adopt their namesake

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Victoria Gamble
  • 353rd Special Operations Group Command Chief Master Sergeant
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The Erwin Professional Military Education Center's NCO Academy Air Commando Flight recently spent some time with their namesake, Air Force Special Operations Command's Air Commandos of the Pacific who make up the 353rd Special Operations Group.

The 320th Special Tactics Squadron hosted the class with activities that included a mission brief, a face camouflage workshop and a chance to repel down the special tactics rescue wall.

"My flight got a real hands-on understanding of what it means to be an Air Commando," said Tech. Sgt. Brandon Tschippert, the Air Commando Flight instructor. "This experience not only challenged my class, it accelerated their development from individuals to a team."

Most class members were unaware that Air Force Special Operations operated in the Pacific region and while the command operates under the motto "quiet professionals," it's important for all Airmen to understand the capabilities of U.S. Pacific Command's only special operations air component.

This is the first time the 353rd Special Operations Group has hosted the Air Commando Flight. The group hopes to build a lasting bond with their namesake.