Type Special Operations | ||
 | ||
Active 2 March 1942 – 27 April 194620 October 1952 – 25 September 19531 June 1969 – 30 September 19711 April 1989 – present Part of Air Force Special Operations Command353d Special Operations Group | ||
The 17th Special Operations Squadron (17 SOS) is part of the 353d Special Operations Group at Kadena Air Base, Japan. It operates MC-130J Commando II aircraft providing special operations capability. Air crews are specially trained in day and night, low-level delivery of troops and equipment via airdrop or airland operations and flying using night vision goggles.
Contents
Mission
Deliver troops and equipment into denied areas during adverse weather conditions at night by airdrop or landing.
History
The 17th flew antisubmarine patrols off west coast of US from, c. May–c. September 1942 then went on to fly combat missions in Southwest and Western Pacific from, 28 January 1944 – 25 July 1945.
The squadron was activated but unmanned from, 1952–1953. It flew combat missions in Southeast Asia from, 1 June 1969 – 30 September 1971.
Throughout its history, the unit has been extremely active in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The 17th aided in Baguio earthquake relief missions in the Republic of the Philippines from 16–31 July 1990. In 2005, the unit supported Operation UNIFIED ASSISTANCE, the relief effort from the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. In 2011, the unit supported Operation TOMODACHI, the relief effort from the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami of 2011. In 2013, the unit supported Operation DAMAYAN, the relief effort from Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Republic of the Philippines.
Operations
Lineage
17th Reconnaissance Squadron
17th Liaison Squadron
17th Special Operations Squadron