News

Dec. 4, 2024
Gundam 22 U.S. – Japan Friendship Memorial: One year on from Yakushima

Close to 100 military and civilian personnel from the United States and Japan gathered at the Yakushima Town Hall on 29 November 2024 to attend a ceremony dedicating a cenotaph to the eight heroes who died when their CV-22B Osprey went down just off the coast of the island last year and the joint
Nov. 12, 2024
U.S. - Japan Friendship Memorial Dedication Ceremony

The 353rd Special Operations Wing will host a bilateral cenotaph dedication ceremony on November 29th, 2024, between the U.S. and Japan to honor the eight Airmen lost in a CV-22 Osprey mishap in November of 2023 and the Yakushima community’s contributions to the search and recovery effort.
Oct. 25, 2024
21 SOS, SOAMXS commit to proficiency with CV-22 precautionary landing practice

The 21st Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 21st Special Operations Squadron practiced precautionary landing procedures with a U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey on the flight line at Yokota Air Base, Oct. 7.
Aug. 2, 2024
Special operations forces cut through Kunsan’s rainy skies to demonstrate strike capability

The goal of the training was to ensure interoperability with coalition special operations forces partners in realistic training environments.
July 2, 2024
CV-22 flight operations resume at Yokota

Units assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing stationed on Yokota Air Base, Japan, resumed CV-22 flight operations on July 2, 2024.
Jan. 11, 2024
AFSOC Aircraft Mishap Releases

UPDATE 16, January 11, 2024: After more than 40 days of intensive search, rescue, recovery and salvage efforts, the U.S. Military concluded operations following the CV-22 mishap that occurred on Nov. 29, 2023 off the shore of Yakushima Island, Japan.
Dec. 15, 2023
21st Special Operations Squadron Change of Command

A change of command ceremony was held on December 15, 2023, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, for the 21st Special Operations Squadron.
Dec. 13, 2023
Airman of GUNDAM 22 posthumously promoted

The Secretary of the Air Force posthumously promoted Captain Terrell “Terry” K. Brayman to the rank of Major, with an effective date of December 15, 2022 reflecting when Terry was selected for Major following the conclusion of the Air Force promotion board.
Dec. 12, 2023
AFSOC Aircraft Mishap Releases

UPDATE 14, December 12, 2023 1121CST:The U.S. Military, alongside the Japan Coast Guard, Japan Self-Defense Forces, local law enforcement, and Japanese civilian volunteers, has been conducting intensive search, rescue and recovery operations for the CV-22 crew and aircraft debris following the
Dec. 6, 2023
AFSOC Commander directs CV-22 operational standdown

Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, AFSOC Commander, directed an operational standdown of the Air Force CV-22 fleet December 6, 2023 to mitigate risk while the investigation continues on the November 29, 2023 CV-22 mishap near Yakushima, Japan.