1st special ops wing

• Oldest Special Operations Wing: The 1st Special Operations Wing (1 SOW), based at Hurlburt Field, Florida, traces its roots back to the 16th Pursuit Group, activated in 1932, making it one of the oldest special operations units in the U.S. Air Force. • Role in Vietnam War: The Wing’s predecessor, the 1st Air Commando Wing, was instrumental in unconventional warfare, close air support, and psychological operations during the Vietnam War. • Operation Eagle Claw: Airmen from the 1 SOW took part in the daring 1980 attempt to rescue American hostages in Iran, an operation which, although unsuccessful, led to the creation of U.S. Special Operations Command. • Aircraft Variety: The 1 SOW operates a diverse fleet including the AC-130 gunship, CV-22 Osprey, U-28A, and MC-130 variants, specializing in infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply missions in hostile environments. • Birthplace of Air Force Special Operations: Hurlburt Field, home of the 1 SOW, is recognized as the birthplace of Air Force Special Operations and is often called the "Home of the Air Commandos." • Combat Controllers and Pararescuemen: The Wing includes elite Air Force Combat Controllers and Pararescuemen, who routinely deploy with Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and other special forces. • Humanitarian Missions: 1 SOW personnel have provided rapid disaster relief worldwide, including after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2010 Haiti earthquake, delivering critical supplies and medical support. • Night Operations Pioneers: The Wing is renowned for pioneering night operations using advanced navigation and targeting systems, making them experts in low-visibility, high-risk missions. • Motto and Symbolism: The unit's motto, "Any Time, Any Place," reflects its readiness and global reach, and its emblem features a winged dagger symbolizing speed, precision, and lethality. • Decorated History: The 1st Special Operations Wing has received numerous unit citations and awards for valor and excellence in combat, including the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor.