21st SOS

• Vietnam War Origins: The 21st Special Operations Squadron (SOS) was first activated in 1956, but it is most famous for its role during the Vietnam War, where it flew HH-53 "Super Jolly Green Giant" helicopters on search and rescue (SAR) and special operations missions. • Nickname – "Dust Devils": The unit is known as the "Dust Devils," a nickname that reflects their fast, agile operations and their ability to operate in challenging environments. • Operation Frequent Wind: In April 1975, the 21st SOS participated in Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Americans and at-risk Vietnamese from Saigon during the final days of the Vietnam War. • Flying the MH-53 Pave Low: After Vietnam, the 21st SOS transitioned to the MH-53 Pave Low helicopter, a highly advanced platform for night, low-level, all-weather special operations missions. • Cold War Missions: During the Cold War, the squadron was stationed in Europe and played a key role in contingency planning for the rescue of downed aircrew behind enemy lines. • Balkans Operations: The 21st SOS participated in several operations in the Balkans during the 1990s, including Operation Provide Promise, supporting humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts. • Hostage Rescue Readiness: The unit trained extensively for high-risk hostage rescue missions in hostile territory, often in cooperation with U.S. and allied special forces. • Final Flight of the Pave Low: The 21st SOS flew the final combat mission of the MH-53 Pave Low in 2008, marking the end of an era for the legendary helicopter. • Current Aircraft: Today, the 21st SOS operates the CV-22 Osprey, a tiltrotor aircraft that combines the vertical lift capability of a helicopter with the speed and range of a fixed-wing plane. • Based at RAF Mildenhall: The squadron is currently based at RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, supporting U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) missions across Europe and Africa.