1st Special Operations Wing

• The 1st Special Operations Wing was activated on March 14, 1966, and is the oldest and largest special operations unit in the Air Force. • The 1st Special Operations Wing has a history that dates back to World War II, where it was known as the 16th Bombardment Group and later the 1st Air Commando Group. • The wing has participated in numerous military operations, including the Iran Hostage Crisis, Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. • The 1st Special Operations Wing is based at Hurlburt Field in Florida, which is also home to the Air Force Special Operations Command headquarters. • The wing's aircraft fleet includes the AC-130H Spectre gunship, MC-130H Combat Talon II, and CV-22 Osprey, among others. • The wing has been awarded numerous honors and recognition for its achievements, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. • The 1st Special Operations Wing played a crucial role in the successful raid on Osama bin Laden's compound in 2011, known as Operation Neptune Spear. • The wing has a long-standing partnership with various international special operations units and regularly conducts joint exercises and training missions with them. • The 1st Special Operations Wing has a reputation for being highly adaptable and innovative in its approach to special operations missions. • The wing continues to evolve and modernize its capabilities to meet the changing threats and challenges of the 21st century.