Helis, July 18, 2019 - The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) 353rd Special Operations Group (353rd SOG) at Kadena Air Base in Japan stood up the 21st Special Operations Squadron (21st SOS) and the 753rd Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (753rd SOAMXS) at Yokota Air Base.
“The Air Commandos that will fly, maintain and support this mission will deliver a one-of-a-kind, vertical-lift capability unmatched by other fixed- or rotary-wing platforms”, Air Force Special Operations commander Lt. Gen. Jim Slife said.
“This platform’s combination of speed, range and operational flexibility affords U.S. Indo-Pacific Command unparalleled special operations capabilities in the region as part of America’s commitment to Japan’s defense and regional peace and security as outlined in our National Defense Strategy.”
The 21st SOS, known then as the “Dust Devils”, served between 1967 in 1973 during the Vietnam War. They also participated in the 1975 rescue of the SS Mayaguez cargo ship in Thailand before being disestablished. Their last service was between 1988 and 2007 from bases in England flying the MH-53 Pave Low.
Lt. Col. Jason Hock, 21st SOS commander, said “The squadron was thrilled to continue the unit’s legacy. We will deliver an unmatched capability to the theater and do it safely and in cooperation with our Japanese and regional partners.”
“The Air Commandos that will fly, maintain and support this mission will deliver a one-of-a-kind, vertical-lift capability unmatched by other fixed- or rotary-wing platforms”, Air Force Special Operations commander Lt. Gen. Jim Slife said.
“This platform’s combination of speed, range and operational flexibility affords U.S. Indo-Pacific Command unparalleled special operations capabilities in the region as part of America’s commitment to Japan’s defense and regional peace and security as outlined in our National Defense Strategy.”
The 21st SOS, known then as the “Dust Devils”, served between 1967 in 1973 during the Vietnam War. They also participated in the 1975 rescue of the SS Mayaguez cargo ship in Thailand before being disestablished. Their last service was between 1988 and 2007 from bases in England flying the MH-53 Pave Low.
Lt. Col. Jason Hock, 21st SOS commander, said “The squadron was thrilled to continue the unit’s legacy. We will deliver an unmatched capability to the theater and do it safely and in cooperation with our Japanese and regional partners.”
Kadena AFB See also |
21st SOS
21st Special Operations Squadron US Air Force CV-22 Osprey in
US Air Force 
