About this Unit
The 20th Special Operations Squadron (20th SOS), known as the "Green Hornets," was first activated during World War II and later reactivated in 1965 to support the Vietnam War. The unit became renowned for its clandestine operations, including combat search and rescue, unconventional warfare, and support for special operations forces, primarily flying UH-1 Huey helicopters. Over the years, the 20th SOS transitioned to operating the MH-53 Pave Low and later the CV-22 Osprey, participating in numerous conflicts such as Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, the 20th SOS continues its legacy of excellence as part of the Air Force Special Operations Command, specializing in infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special operations forces.
Historical Facts
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Origins in Vietnam: The 20th Special Operations Squadron (SOS), nicknamed the "Green Hornets," traces its roots back to the Vietnam War, where it was activated in 1965 to provide unconventional warfare support, especially for covert and clandestine missions.
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Callsign 'Green Hornet': The squadron earned its famous call sign "Green Hornet" due to the distinctive green camouflage paint on their UH-1P "Huey" helicopters and the buzzing sound of their rotors.
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Key Role in SOG Operations: The 20th SOS supported the top-secret Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG), inserting and extracting special operations teams deep behind enemy lines.
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First to Use UH-1P Gunships: The unit was the first in the Air Force to operate the UH-1P, a heavily armed version of the Huey, specially modified for special operations.
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Decorations and Honors: During Vietnam, the squadron earned multiple awards, including the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.
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Transition to MH-53 Pave Low: After Vietnam, the 20th SOS was inactivated and reactivated several times, eventually becoming one of the first squadrons to operate the MH-53J/M Pave Low, a highly advanced, all-weather special operations helicopter.
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Desert Storm Participation: The 20th SOS played a crucial role in Operation Desert Storm, leading deep-penetration missions behind Iraqi lines for search and rescue and special operations forces insertion.
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Global Deployments: The squadron has participated in numerous operations worldwide, including Operation Just Cause in Panama, Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, and humanitarian missions.
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Modern Era and CV-22 Osprey: Today, the 20th SOS flies the CV-22 Osprey, a tiltrotor aircraft that combines vertical takeoff with airplane-like speed, making it ideal for rapid infiltration and exfiltration of special operations forces.
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Legacy of Valor: The 20th SOS remains one of the most decorated and storied Air Force special operations units, with a motto of “Green Hornets Save Lives,” reflecting their ongoing commitment to high-risk, life-saving missions.
