352d Special Operations Group
Encyclopedia
The 352d Special Operations Group (352 SOG) is an operational unit of the United States Air Force Special Operations Command. It is stationed at RAF Mildenhall
, England. Its heritage dates back to 1944 as an air command unit.
The group serves as the focal point for all U.S. Air Force special operations activities throughout the European theater, including Africa and the Middle East. The 352d SOG is prepared to conduct a variety of high priority, low-visibility missions supporting U.S. and allied special operations forces throughout the European theater during peacetime, joint operations exercises, and combat operations. It trains and performs special operations in the European Command area of operations, including establishing air assault landing zones, controlling close air support by strike aircraft and gunships, and providing trauma care for wounded and injured personnel.
The group's origins date to 1944 as the 2nd Air Commando Group. The unit was assigned to Tenth Air Force
in India, whose elements operated in Burma flying a mixture of fighters
, bomber
s, transports
, military glider
s and small planes performing operations behind the Japanese lines, and providing close air support
for the British Fourteenth Army in the Burma Campaign
.
(LRP) groups, or Chindits
, as they were affectionately called. Carrying the lethal firepower of both bombers and fighters combined with the logistical tentacles of a gamut of transports, gliders, and light aircraft, this organization would reach deep behind enemy lines to do battle.
Formed as the 2d Air Commando Group in Lakeland
, Florida on 22 April 1944 and sent to India under Colonel Arthur DeBolt. The unit served in the China-Burma-India Theatre
of operations with the fighter units flying missions over Bangkok
, Thailand. Following the collapse of the Japanese in Burma, the 2nd Air Commando Group was sent to Okinawa
to prepare for the invasion of Japan
, but the war ended. The unit was sent to the United States and disbanded on 12 November 1945.
The group trained for operations with North American O-47
s, P-51 Mustang
s, C-47 Skytrain
s and L-5 Sentinel
aircraft as part of Third Air Force
and trained at the Army Air Force School of Applied Tactics
in Florida. Moved to India, October–December 1944: the troop carrier squadron flew their C-47s to India, arriving by late Oct; a group advanced echelon arrived mid-Nov; and the majority of the group arrived mid-Dec.
Moved to India
, September–November 1944 assigned to Tenth Air Force
. Between November 1944 and May 1945 the group dropped supplies to Allied troops who were fighting the Japanese in the Chindwin Valley in Burma; moved Chinese troops from Burma to China; transported men, food, ammunition, and construction equipment to Burma; dropped Gurka paratroops during the assault on Rangoon; provided fighter support for Allied forces crossing the Irrawaddy River in February 1945; struck enemy airfields and transportation facilities; escorted bombers to targets in the vicinity of Rangoon; bombed targets in Thailand
; and flew reconnaissance missions.
After May 1945 the fighter squadrons were in training; in Jun the group's C-47's were sent to Ledo
to move road-building equipment; during June— July most of its L-5's were turned over to Fourteenth Air Force
. The group returned to the US during October–November 1945.
As the only SM-62 Snark
missile wing in the USAF, the 702nd Strategic Missile Wing performed intercontinental missile test operations from Patrick AFB, Florida, April–June 1959, and from the Atlantic Missile Range at Cape Canaveral AFS, Florida, c. December 1959 – June 1961. Its operational component was the 556th Missile Squadron. On 27 May 1959, the wing received its first operational missile at Presque Isle AFB, Maine
. Ten months later, on 18 March 1960, the Snark missile officially went on alert status. Thirty are known to have been deployed.
The 702nd was not declared fully operational until February 1961. In March 1961, President John F. Kennedy
declared the Snark "obsolete and of marginal military value" and on 25 June 1961 the 702nd was deactivated.
The 39th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Wing flew numerous rescue sorties and from January 1970 until mid-1971, and supported Strategic Air Command
missile silos. After moving to Eglin AFB, Florida in June 1971, wing assumed responsibility for numerous rescue detachments in the Western Hemisphere
and Europe.
Later, the 39 Special Operations Wing (SOW) trained and participated in special operations exercises, as well as flew rescue sorties. Wing headquarters and one squadron moved to Germany in May 1989 and became the air component of Special Operations Command Europe.
The wing moved to England effective 1 January 1992 and served as the air component for Special Operations Command Europe. Trained for and performed special operations airland and airdrop missions in the European Command area of operations, including establishing air assault landing zones, controlling close air support by strike aircraft and gunships, and providing trauma care for wounded and injured personnel. Deployed elements participated in PROVIDE COMFORT II. During the 1990s, the group supported numerous humanitarian and combat operations in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia, including Operations PROVIDE PROMISE, DENY FLIGHT, and Operation Allied Force
in Yugoslavia, and PROVIDE COMFORT and NORTHERN WATCH over northern Iraq.
The unit rushed troops to Dubrovnik, Croatia, when an Air Force CT-43 carrying Commerce Secretary Ron Brown crashed into a mountain. Arriving in a nasty rainstorm, 21st SOS Pave Lows inserted the first search-and-rescue teams, followed by a 67th SOS MC-130P. Mildenhall crews remained on scene until the last body was removed.
In 2002 the Group took part in Operation Autumn Return
, the non-combatant evacuation
of American citizens from Abidjan
, Cote d'Ivoire
.
Today the 352d SOG develops and implements peacetime and wartime contingency plans to effectively use fixed wing, helicopter, and personnel assets to conduct infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of U.S. and allied special operations forces.
RAF Mildenhall
RAF Mildenhall is a Royal Air Force station located at Mildenhall in Suffolk, England. Despite its status as an RAF station, it primarily supports United States Air Force operations and is currently the home of the 100th Air Refueling Wing...
, England. Its heritage dates back to 1944 as an air command unit.
The group serves as the focal point for all U.S. Air Force special operations activities throughout the European theater, including Africa and the Middle East. The 352d SOG is prepared to conduct a variety of high priority, low-visibility missions supporting U.S. and allied special operations forces throughout the European theater during peacetime, joint operations exercises, and combat operations. It trains and performs special operations in the European Command area of operations, including establishing air assault landing zones, controlling close air support by strike aircraft and gunships, and providing trauma care for wounded and injured personnel.
The group's origins date to 1944 as the 2nd Air Commando Group. The unit was assigned to Tenth Air Force
Tenth Air Force
The Tenth Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force Reserve Command . It is headquartered at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas....
in India, whose elements operated in Burma flying a mixture of fighters
Fighter aircraft
A fighter aircraft is a military aircraft designed primarily for air-to-air combat with other aircraft, as opposed to a bomber, which is designed primarily to attack ground targets...
, bomber
Bomber
A bomber is a military aircraft designed to attack ground and sea targets, by dropping bombs on them, or – in recent years – by launching cruise missiles at them.-Classifications of bombers:...
s, transports
Military transport aircraft
Military transport aircraft are typically fixed and rotary wing cargo aircraft which are used to deliver troops, weapons and other military equipment by a variety of methods to any area of military operations around the surface of the planet, usually outside of the commercial flight routes in...
, military glider
Military glider
Military gliders have been used by the military of various countries for carrying troops and heavy equipment to a combat zone, mainly during the Second World War. These engineless aircraft were towed into the air and most of the way to their target by military transport planes, e.g...
s and small planes performing operations behind the Japanese lines, and providing close air support
Close air support
In military tactics, close air support is defined as air action by fixed or rotary winged aircraft against hostile targets that are close to friendly forces, and which requires detailed integration of each air mission with fire and movement of these forces.The determining factor for CAS is...
for the British Fourteenth Army in the Burma Campaign
Burma Campaign
The Burma Campaign in the South-East Asian Theatre of World War II was fought primarily between British Commonwealth, Chinese and United States forces against the forces of the Empire of Japan, Thailand, and the Indian National Army. British Commonwealth land forces were drawn primarily from...
.
Units
It is made up of the:- 7th Special Operations Squadron7th Special Operations SquadronThe 7th Special Operations Squadron is an active flying unit of the United States Air Force. It is a component of the 352d Special Operations Group , United States Special Operations Command, and is currently based at Royal Air Force base RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, eastern England.-Mission:From...
- 67th Special Operations Squadron67th Special Operations SquadronThe 67th Special Operation Squadron is an active unit within the 352d Special Operations Group , United States Air Force, United States European Command, and is currently based at Royal Air Force base RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, eastern England....
- 321st Special Tactics Squadron321st Special Tactics SquadronThe 321st Special Tactics Squadron is an active land based unit, within the 352d Special Operations Group , United States Air Force, United States European Command, and is based at Royal Air Force base, RAF Mildenhall, in Suffolk, eastern England...
- 352d Special Operations Support Squadron
- 352d Special Operations Maintenance Squadron
History
The group's lineage and honors have to be traced not just through its own history, but through the history of three earlier organizations, the 2nd Air Commando Group (1944–1945); the 702nd Strategic Missile Wing (ICBM-Snark) (1959–1961) and the 39th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery (later Special Operations) Wing (1969–1992).World War II
The Air Commando Groups were born out of a simple need. That need was to support via light airplanes the evacuation and resupply requirements of British Long Range PenetrationLong range penetration
A Long-range penetration patrol, group, or force is a special forces military unit able to remain in and move long distances behind enemy lines far away from direct contact with friendly forces as opposed to Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol a small group engaged in scouting missions...
(LRP) groups, or Chindits
Chindits
The Chindits were a British India "Special Force" that served in Burma and India in 1943 and 1944 during the Burma Campaign in World War II. They were formed into long range penetration groups trained to operate deep behind Japanese lines...
, as they were affectionately called. Carrying the lethal firepower of both bombers and fighters combined with the logistical tentacles of a gamut of transports, gliders, and light aircraft, this organization would reach deep behind enemy lines to do battle.
Formed as the 2d Air Commando Group in Lakeland
Lakeland, Florida
Lakeland is a city in Polk County, Florida, United States, located approximately midway between Tampa and Orlando along Interstate 4. According to the 2008 U.S. Census Bureau estimate, the city had a population of 94,406...
, Florida on 22 April 1944 and sent to India under Colonel Arthur DeBolt. The unit served in the China-Burma-India Theatre
China Burma India Theater of World War II
China Burma India Theater was the name used by the United States Army for its forces operating in conjunction with British and Chinese Allied air and land forces in China, Burma, and India during World War II...
of operations with the fighter units flying missions over Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
, Thailand. Following the collapse of the Japanese in Burma, the 2nd Air Commando Group was sent to Okinawa
Okinawa Prefecture
is one of Japan's southern prefectures. It consists of hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands in a chain over long, which extends southwest from Kyūshū to Taiwan. Okinawa's capital, Naha, is located in the southern part of Okinawa Island...
to prepare for the invasion of Japan
Operation Downfall
Operation Downfall was the Allied plan for the invasion of Japan near the end of World War II. The operation was cancelled when Japan surrendered after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Soviet Union's declaration of war against Japan. The operation had two parts: Operation...
, but the war ended. The unit was sent to the United States and disbanded on 12 November 1945.
The group trained for operations with North American O-47
North American O-47
|-See also:-References:NotesBibliography* Eden, Paul and Soph Moeng. The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. London: Amber Books Ltd., 2002. ISBN 0-7607-3432-1.* Fahey, James C. U.S. Army Aircraft 1908-1946. New York: Ships and Aircraft, 1946....
s, P-51 Mustang
P-51 Mustang
The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang was an American long-range, single-seat fighter and fighter-bomber used during World War II, the Korean War and in several other conflicts...
s, C-47 Skytrain
C-47 Skytrain
The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota is a military transport aircraft that was developed from the Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II and remained in front line operations through the 1950s with a few remaining in operation to this day.-Design and...
s and L-5 Sentinel
L-5 Sentinel
The Stinson L-5 Sentinel was a World War II era liaison aircraft used by all branches of the U.S. military and by the British Royal Air Force. Along with the Stinson L-1 Vigilant, the L-5 was the only other American liaison aircraft of WWII that was purpose-built for military use and had no...
aircraft as part of Third Air Force
Third Air Force
The Third Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Forces in Europe . It is headquartered at Ramstein Air Base, Germany....
and trained at the Army Air Force School of Applied Tactics
Army Air Force School of Applied Tactics
The Army Air Forces School of Applied Tactics was a military training organization of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II...
in Florida. Moved to India, October–December 1944: the troop carrier squadron flew their C-47s to India, arriving by late Oct; a group advanced echelon arrived mid-Nov; and the majority of the group arrived mid-Dec.
Moved to India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, September–November 1944 assigned to Tenth Air Force
Tenth Air Force
The Tenth Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force Reserve Command . It is headquartered at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas....
. Between November 1944 and May 1945 the group dropped supplies to Allied troops who were fighting the Japanese in the Chindwin Valley in Burma; moved Chinese troops from Burma to China; transported men, food, ammunition, and construction equipment to Burma; dropped Gurka paratroops during the assault on Rangoon; provided fighter support for Allied forces crossing the Irrawaddy River in February 1945; struck enemy airfields and transportation facilities; escorted bombers to targets in the vicinity of Rangoon; bombed targets in Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
; and flew reconnaissance missions.
After May 1945 the fighter squadrons were in training; in Jun the group's C-47's were sent to Ledo
Ledo
Ledo may refer to:* Ledo, Assam, India* Ledo, Goa, India* Ledo Road* Ledo Degtinė* Ledo , a Croatian ice cream producer...
to move road-building equipment; during June— July most of its L-5's were turned over to Fourteenth Air Force
Fourteenth Air Force
The Fourteenth Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force Space Command . It is headquartered at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California....
. The group returned to the US during October–November 1945.
Cold War
SM-62 Snark
-External links:** Air Force Magazine article about a Snark that was test-fired and rumored to have been found in Brazil** detailed article on Snark and the USAF school to train personnel for it...
missile wing in the USAF, the 702nd Strategic Missile Wing performed intercontinental missile test operations from Patrick AFB, Florida, April–June 1959, and from the Atlantic Missile Range at Cape Canaveral AFS, Florida, c. December 1959 – June 1961. Its operational component was the 556th Missile Squadron. On 27 May 1959, the wing received its first operational missile at Presque Isle AFB, Maine
Maine
Maine is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, New Hampshire to the west, and the Canadian provinces of Quebec to the northwest and New Brunswick to the northeast. Maine is both the northernmost and easternmost...
. Ten months later, on 18 March 1960, the Snark missile officially went on alert status. Thirty are known to have been deployed.
The 702nd was not declared fully operational until February 1961. In March 1961, President John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy
John Fitzgerald "Jack" Kennedy , often referred to by his initials JFK, was the 35th President of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963....
declared the Snark "obsolete and of marginal military value" and on 25 June 1961 the 702nd was deactivated.
The 39th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Wing flew numerous rescue sorties and from January 1970 until mid-1971, and supported Strategic Air Command
Strategic Air Command
The Strategic Air Command was both a Major Command of the United States Air Force and a "specified command" of the United States Department of Defense. SAC was the operational establishment in charge of America's land-based strategic bomber aircraft and land-based intercontinental ballistic...
missile silos. After moving to Eglin AFB, Florida in June 1971, wing assumed responsibility for numerous rescue detachments in the Western Hemisphere
Western Hemisphere
The Western Hemisphere or western hemisphere is mainly used as a geographical term for the half of the Earth that lies west of the Prime Meridian and east of the Antimeridian , the other half being called the Eastern Hemisphere.In this sense, the western hemisphere consists of the western portions...
and Europe.
Later, the 39 Special Operations Wing (SOW) trained and participated in special operations exercises, as well as flew rescue sorties. Wing headquarters and one squadron moved to Germany in May 1989 and became the air component of Special Operations Command Europe.
Modern era
In response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait on 2 August 1990, the majority of the 39 SOW personnel deployed to Turkey (12–17 January 1991), and operated as part of the Joint Special Operations Task Force (JSOTF) ELUSIVE CONCEPT.The wing moved to England effective 1 January 1992 and served as the air component for Special Operations Command Europe. Trained for and performed special operations airland and airdrop missions in the European Command area of operations, including establishing air assault landing zones, controlling close air support by strike aircraft and gunships, and providing trauma care for wounded and injured personnel. Deployed elements participated in PROVIDE COMFORT II. During the 1990s, the group supported numerous humanitarian and combat operations in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia, including Operations PROVIDE PROMISE, DENY FLIGHT, and Operation Allied Force
Operation Allied Force
The NATO bombing of Yugoslavia was NATO's military operation against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia during the Kosovo War. The strikes lasted from March 24, 1999 to June 10, 1999...
in Yugoslavia, and PROVIDE COMFORT and NORTHERN WATCH over northern Iraq.
The unit rushed troops to Dubrovnik, Croatia, when an Air Force CT-43 carrying Commerce Secretary Ron Brown crashed into a mountain. Arriving in a nasty rainstorm, 21st SOS Pave Lows inserted the first search-and-rescue teams, followed by a 67th SOS MC-130P. Mildenhall crews remained on scene until the last body was removed.
In 2002 the Group took part in Operation Autumn Return
Operation Autumn Return
Operation Autumn Return was a non-combatant evacuation operation of the United States armed forces conducted from September 24 to October 4, 2002, in Côte d'Ivoire....
, the non-combatant evacuation
Non-combatant Evacuation Operation
A non-combatant evacuation operation or NEO is an operation conducted to evacuate civilians from another country, generally due to a deteriorating security situation.-United States:...
of American citizens from Abidjan
Abidjan
Abidjan is the economic and former official capital of Côte d'Ivoire, while the current capital is Yamoussoukro. it was the largest city in the nation and the third-largest French-speaking city in the world, after Paris, and Kinshasa but before Montreal...
, Cote d'Ivoire
Côte d'Ivoire
The Republic of Côte d'Ivoire or Ivory Coast is a country in West Africa. It has an area of , and borders the countries Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana; its southern boundary is along the Gulf of Guinea. The country's population was 15,366,672 in 1998 and was estimated to be...
.
Today the 352d SOG develops and implements peacetime and wartime contingency plans to effectively use fixed wing, helicopter, and personnel assets to conduct infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of U.S. and allied special operations forces.
Lineage
- Established as 2d Air Commando Group on 11 April 1944
- Activated on 22 April 1944
- Inactivated on 12 November 1945
- Disestablished on 8 October 1948
- Reestablished and consolidated (31 July 1958) with the 702d Strategic Missile Wing (ICBM-Snark)
- Established on 17 June 1958
- Activated on 1 January 1959
- Discontinued, and inactivated on 25 June 1961
- Redesignated as: 352d Special Operations Wing on 31 July 1985 (Remained inactive)
- Redesignated as: 352d Special Operations Group on 21 September 1992
- Activated on 1 December 1992
- Consolidated (17 August 1998) with the 39th Special Operations Wing
- Established as the 39th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Wing on 20 October 1969
- Activated on 1 January 1970
- Redesignated as 39th Special Operations Wing on 1 March 1988
- Inactivated on 1 December 1992
- Consolidated group retained designation of 352d Special Operations Group
- Activated on 1 December 1992
Assignments
- III Fighter CommandIII Fighter CommandThe III Fighter Command is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with Third Air Force stationed at MacDill Field, Florida. It was inactivated on 8 April 1946.-Lineage:...
, 22 April 1944 - Army Air Forces, India-Burma Theater, c. 12 November 1944
- Tenth Air ForceTenth Air ForceThe Tenth Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force Reserve Command . It is headquartered at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas....
, 10 July 1945 - Army Air Forces, India-Burma Theater, c. 18 August–October 1945
- 45th Air Division45th Air DivisionThe 45th Air Division is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with Eighth Air Force, stationed at Pease AFB, New Hampshire. It was inactivated on 14 June 1989.-History:...
, 1 January 1959 – 25 June 1961 - Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service, 1 January 1970
- Twenty-Third Air Force (later, Air Force Special Operations Command)Air Force Special Operations CommandAir Force Special Operations Command is the Special Operations component of the United States Air Force and the US Air Force component command to the United States Special Operations Command , a unified command located at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida...
, 1 October 1983 – 1 December 1992; 1 December 1992–present
Components
- 1st Fighter, Commando: 22 April 1944 – 12 November 1945
- 2d Fighter, Commando: 22 April 1944 – 12 November 1945
- 7th Special Operations7th Special Operations SquadronThe 7th Special Operations Squadron is an active flying unit of the United States Air Force. It is a component of the 352d Special Operations Group , United States Special Operations Command, and is currently based at Royal Air Force base RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, eastern England.-Mission:From...
: 1 February 1987–. 9 Special Operations: 1 March 1988 – 18 April 1989 - 21st Special Operations21st Special Operations SquadronThe 21st Special Operations Squadron is a unit within the 352d Special Operations Group , United States Air Force, United States European Command, and was based at Royal Air Force base RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, eastern England.-Mission:...
: 1 May 1988 – 31 October 2007 - 37th Air Rescue and Recovery: 1 July 1978 – 1 February 1987
- 38th Air Rescue and Recovery38th Rescue SquadronThe 38th Rescue Squadron is part of the 347th Rescue Group at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. It operates various fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft conducting search and rescue missions.-Mission:...
: 1 July 1978 – 8 January 1981 - 40th Air Rescue and Recovery: 1 July 1978 – 31 December 1987
- 41st Air Rescue and Recovery: 1 January 1970 – 1 September 1975
- 42d Air Rescue and Recovery: 1 January 1970 – 15 June 1973
- 43d Air Rescue and Recovery: 1 January 1970 – 1 June 1974
- 44th Air Rescue and Recovery: 1 January 1970 – 15 June 1973
- 48th Air Rescue and Recovery48th Rescue SquadronThe 48th Rescue Squadron is part of the 563d Rescue Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. PJs/CROs primarily fly onboard HH-60 Pave Hawk aircraft while conducting search and rescue missions.-Mission:...
: 15 September 1972 – 1 January 1976; 1 October 1985-31 December 1987 - 54th Air Rescue and Recovery: 1 January 1970 – 15 July 1974
- 55th Air Rescue and Recovery (later, 55 Special Operations): 1 January 1970 – 18 April 1989
- 56th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery: 1 May 1988 – 1 April 1989
- 67th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery67th Special Operations SquadronThe 67th Special Operation Squadron is an active unit within the 352d Special Operations Group , United States Air Force, United States European Command, and is currently based at Royal Air Force base RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, eastern England....
(later, 67th Special Operations): 17 May 1973–present - 71st Aerospace Rescue and Recovery71st Rescue SquadronThe 71st Rescue Squadron is part of the 347th Rescue Group at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. It flies HC-130 Hercules aircraft conducting search and rescue missions.-Mission:...
: 8 March 1970 – 1 July 1974 - 127th Liaison, Commando, 1 May 1944 – 27 July 1945
- 155th Liaison, Commando, 1 May 1944 – 27 July 1945
- 156th Liaison, Commando, 1 May 1944 – 27 July 1945
- 317th Troop Carrier317th Airlift SquadronThe 317th Airlift Squadron is part of the 315th Airlift Wing at Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina. It operates C-17 Globemaster III aircraft supporting the United States Air Force global reach mission world wide.-Mission:...
, 1 May 1944 – 12 November 1945 - 556th Strategic Missile Squadron556th Strategic Missile SquadronThe 556th Strategic Missile Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 820th Strategic Aerospace Division. It was inactivated at Plattsburgh Air Force Base, New York on 25 June 1965.-World War II:...
: 1 April – 16 July 1959.
Stations
- Drew Field, Florida, 22 April 1944
- Lakeland Army Airfield, Florida, 3 May 1944
- Lakeland Army Airfield, Florida, 9 June 1944
- Drew Field, Florida, 17 August 1944
- Lakeland Army Airfield, Florida,22 August 1944
- Drew Field, Florida, 23–28 October 1944
- Kalaikunda Air Force StationKalaikunda Air Force StationKalaikunda Air Force Station is an Indian Air Force Base near Kharagpur, located in the Midnapore West district of the state of West Bengal. It is the home of Squadron No. 20, Eastern Air Command...
, India, 16 December 1944 - Karachi Airport, India, 5–21 October 1945
- Camp KilmerCamp KilmerCamp Kilmer, New Jersey is a former United States Army camp that was activated in June 1942 as a staging area and part of an installation of the New York Port of Embarkation. The camp was organized as part of the Army Service Forces Transportation Corps. Troops were quartered at Camp Kilmer in...
, New JerseyNew JerseyNew Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
, 11–12 November 1945 - Presque Isle AFB, MaineMaineMaine is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, New Hampshire to the west, and the Canadian provinces of Quebec to the northwest and New Brunswick to the northeast. Maine is both the northernmost and easternmost...
, 1 January 1959 – 25 June 1961 - Richards-Gebaur AFB, MissouriMissouriMissouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It...
, 1 January 1970 - Eglin AFBEglin Air Force BaseEglin Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located approximately 3 miles southwest of Valparaiso, Florida in Okaloosa County....
, Florida, 25 June 1971 – May 1989 - Rhein-Main AB, West Germany (Later Germany)GermanyGermany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, 1 June 1989 - RAF AlconburyRAF AlconburyRAF Alconbury is an active Royal Air Force station in Cambridgeshire, England. The airfield is adjacent to the Stukeleys [Great and Little] and located about northwest of Huntingdon; about north of London....
, England, 1 January 1992 - RAF MildenhallRAF MildenhallRAF Mildenhall is a Royal Air Force station located at Mildenhall in Suffolk, England. Despite its status as an RAF station, it primarily supports United States Air Force operations and is currently the home of the 100th Air Refueling Wing...
, England, 17 February 1995–present
World War II
- P-51, 1944, 1945; L-5, 1944, 1945; C-64, 1944, 1945; C-47, 1944–1945; CG-4 gliders, 1944, 1945; F-6, 1945; L-1, 1945; L-4, 1945; C-46, 1945.
Cold War
- Snark, 1959–1961. CH/HH-3, 1970-c.1988; CH/HH-53, 1970-c.1988; HC-130, 1970-c.1990; HH-43, 1970–1973; UH-1, 1970–1988; HH-1, 1978-c.1988; TH-1, 1978-c.1988; UH-60, 1982-c.1988