The 16th Special Operations Wing's "Air Commando Spirit" dates back to the jungles of the China-Burma-India theater of operations during World War II.
Flying P-51 to P-47 fighters, L-1 and L-5 observation planes, C-47 cargo and CG-4 and TG-5 gliders, and B-25 bombers, air commandos provided airdrop and landing of troops, equipment and supplies, evacuation of casualties, and attacks against enemy airfields and lines of communication.
Roots of the force
The special operators were designated the 1st Air Commando Group March 29, 1944. The 1st ACG continued supply, evacuation, escort, and liaison missions throughout the war, as well as attacking bridges, railroads, barges, oil wells, and troop positions until it left Burma in 1945. The 1st ACG was disbanded with full honors October 8, 1948.
The special operators' mission continued to expand, and by June 1963, it was converted to the 1st Air Commando Wing. Finally, July 8, 1968, the wing was redesignated the 1st Special Operations Wing of the U. S. Special Operations Force.
Tragedy strikes
The 1st SOW participated in Operation Rice Bowl, the daring attempt to rescue Americans held hostage in Iran. The operation ended in disaster at Desert One, with five 8th Special Operations Squadron crewmembers losing their lives.
Urgent Fury: to rescue our own
In 1983 the 1st SOW mobilized into a fighting force participating in Urgent Fury -- the Grenada operation. AC-130H Spectre gunships and MC-130 Combat Talons, transporting Air Force combat controllers and Army Rangers, deployed to the tiny island to rescue American medical students.
Panama: bringing justice
In December 1989, the wing mobilized for Operation Just Cause and deployed to Panama. The mission was to secure the safety of American citizens and American interests in the Panama Canal Treaty, to establish law and order, to restore democracy, and to bring Panama's dictator Manuel Noriega to justice.
Desert Storm: deadly assault
When President George Bush ordered the execution of Operation Desert Storm in January 1991, MH-53J Pave Lows from the 20th SOS teamed with Army helicopters and led the first wave assault against Iraqi air defense systems.
During the war, MC-130E Combat Talons dropped leaflets on Iraqi forces, MH-53Js provided combat search and rescue, and AC-130H gunships flew armed reconnaissance and destroyed ground targets.
MH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters performed combat search and rescue and inserted special forces behind enemy lines. HC-130 Combat Shadows flew deep aerial refueling for wing helicopters in a high-threat environment. A heavy price was paid when the wing lost AC-130H gunship "Spirit 03" and her aircrew to Iraqi ground fire.
Aiding others in harm's way
In the 1990's, the Air Commando Spirit lives on. MH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and Combat Shadow tankers flew missions in support of Operation Provide Comfort, aiding the Kurdish refugees in Turkey and Northern Iraq. In 1992's Operation Restore and 1993's Operation Continue Hope, Pave Hawks flew hazardous search-and-rescue missions to assist starving citizens enduring a bloody civil war. Again, air commandos went in harm's way and paid a price, losing gunship "Jockey 14."
Continued support, world-wide
Today, 16th SOW operations, maintenance and support personnel are involved in special missions around the world. The wing continues to support operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Hurlburt airmen have answered the call for Support Democracy / Uphold Democracy in Haiti, Support Hope in Rwanda, and Assured Response in Liberia.
Special operators have also returned to provide support for Operation Southern Watch, enforcing a ban on Iraqi military flights below the 33rd parallel.
Today's Hurlburt Field special operators continue the Air Commando promise to provide reliable, precise Air Force special operations air power Any Time, Any Place.
Main
phone numbers: Commercial (850)884-1110 or
DSN 579-1110
Mailing
address: Hurlburt Field, FL 32544
Population:
7,798 active duty; 59 reservists; 8,218 family
members; 810 civilians
Housing: 57
officer family units; 521 enlisted family units; 160
unaccompanied personnel unit (850)884-7505
Temporary
lodging: 24 temporary units (850)581-1627;
campground (850)884-6939
Family
Support Center: (850)884-5441
Schools: None
on base.
Child
Care: Center for 172, three-month wait; 21
approved homes (850)884-6664
Health
care: Clinics. Appointments (850)884-7882
Hurlburt Field - Fort Walton Beach, FL
has a very large size commissary - (850)881-2139,
a medium exchange, a mini mall, and one shoppette
(850)581-0030. Recreation at Hurlburt Field - Fort Walton Beach, FL
includes arts and crafts, bowling, library, auto hobby,
recreation center, theater, golf, gym, tennis, swimming,
outdoor activities, camping, and fishing.
