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Library > Fact Sheets > 352nd Special Operations Group
352ND SPECIAL OPERATIONS GROUP
Posted 8/17/2011
Printable Fact Sheet
The 352nd Special Operations Group is an essential part of the Air Force Special Operations Command based at RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom. The group has over 700 Air Force personnel assigned, as well as nearly 50 personnel attached/associated as members of Joint Special Operations Air Component-Europe and Detachment 2, 25th Intelligence Squadron. The group is the only Air Force special operations unit in European Command.
Mission
Under the operational control of Special Operations Command Europe, the 352nd SOG plans and executes specialized and contingency operations using advanced aircraft, tactics and air refueling techniques to infiltrate, exfiltrate, and resupply special operations forces. The unit has five squadrons and two different versions of MC-130 aircraft assigned and is managed administratively by AFSOC.
The group or its squadrons have deployed in support of Operations Desert Storm, Provide Comfort, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Provide Promise, Deny Flight, Allied Force, Assured Response, Silver Anvil, Atlas Response, Support Hope, Joint Endeavor, Deliberate Force, Guardian Light, Guardian Assistance, Shining Express, Autumn Return, Assured Delivery, Aster Silver and Enduring Freedom-Trans Sahara. Recently, the group spearheaded airland operations for Joint Task Force-Lebanon, the evacuation of noncombatants from Chad, and U.S. European Command support during the 2008 Russia-Georgia conflict. The group is regularly called upon to support special operations for OIF, OEF and OEF-TS as well as other Overseas Contingency Operations.
Units
352nd Special Operations Support Squadron provides support for two flying squadrons, one special tactics squadron and one maintenance squadron for exercise, logistics, and deployment planning; aircrew training; communications; aerial delivery; medical; intelligence; security and force protection; weather; information technologies and transformation support; and current operations.
The expeditionary design and flexibility of the 352nd OSS is regularly showcased and highlighted by its ability to operate simultaneously in up to four locations. The squadron's "can-do" attitude allows the group commander to focus on force application and project specialized combat air power in the EUCOM area of responsibility and elsewhere.
352nd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron provides all organizational maintenance on MC-130H and MC-130P aircraft assigned to the group's two special operations flying squadrons. It also provides management for the group's engine and munitions inventories.
7th Special Operations Squadron operates the MC-130H Combat Talon II, executing night, adverse weather, long-range insertion, extraction and resupply operations into hostile, denied or politically sensitive areas. The squadron also supports noncombatant evacuation, humanitarian relief, and other special operations. The Combat Talon II is employed using a combination of terrain-following radar, high-precision avionics and sensors, and electronic countermeasures.
67th Special Operations Squadron operates the MC-130P Combat Shadow, using night vision goggles to provide long-range, low-level infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special operations forces in hostile or denied territory. The squadron also enables combat search and rescue, medical evacuations, and assists with humanitarian operations. The squadron's and crew's aircraft are uniquely capable of providing clandestine air refueling support to special operations helicopters and tilt rotor aircraft.
321st Special Tactics Squadron provides a fast reaction, rapidly-deployable force capable of establishing and providing positive control of the air to ground interface during special operations or conventional missions. Unit combat controllers and pararescuemen conduct the reconnaissance, surveillance, assessment and establishment of assault zone sites and provide air traffic control and long-range secure command and control communications. Additionally, the unit provides combat trauma medical care, personnel recovery, and terminal attack control of munitions delivered by fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. The squadron also has special operations weathermen assigned to provide weather support for other special operations forces.
Current as of August, 2011
Point of Contact
Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office | 229 Cody Ave, Suite 103 | Hurlburt Field, Fla. 32544-5312 | (850) 884-5515 | DSN 579-5515 | afsoc.pa@hurlburt.af.mil
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