352nd Special Operations Wing
The 352nd Special Operations Wing is an operational unit of the United States Air Force Special Operations Command currently stationed at RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom. The unit's heritage dates back to 1944 as an air commando unit.
| 352nd Special Operations Wing | |
|---|---|
Group CV-22 Osprey at RAF Lakenheath | |
| Active | 1944–1945; 1959–1961; 1970–1992; 1992–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Role | Special Operations |
| Size | 972 personnel authorized in 2015
|
| Part of | Air Force Special Operations Command |
| Garrison/HQ | RAF Mildenhall, England, UK |
| Motto(s) | Ready Able (1961) |
| Engagements | China-Burma-India Theater Gulf War Kosovo War 2020 Nigeria hostage rescue |
| Decorations | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Gallant Unit Citation Air Force Meritorious Unit Award Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| Insignia | |
| 352nd Special Operations Wing emblem | |
| 352nd Special Operations Group emblem | |
| Patch with 39th Special Operations Wing emblem | |
| 702nd Strategic Missile Wing emblem | |
The 352nd Wing serves as the focal point for all U.S. Air Force special operations activities throughout the European theater for U.S. European Command (USEUCOM), as well as Africa for U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) and Southwest Asia and the Middle East for U.S. Central Command. The wing is prepared to conduct a variety of high priority, low-visibility missions supporting U.S. and allied special operations forces during peacetime, joint operations exercises, and combat operations. It trains and performs special operations primarily in the USEUCOM and USAFRICOM 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, bombers, transports, military gliders and small planes performing operations behind the Japanese lines, and providing close air support for the British Fourteenth Army in the Burma campaign.