834 AGS : 20th SOS

• Origins in Vietnam: The 834th Airlift (originally Air Division) and the 20th Special Operations Squadron (SOS) both played pivotal roles in the Vietnam War, supporting special operations and unconventional warfare. • Operation Ranch Hand: The 834th managed airlift and logistics for operations such as Ranch Hand, which involved spraying defoliants like Agent Orange to clear jungle foliage. • “Green Hornets” Nickname: The 20th SOS was nicknamed the "Green Hornets" for their distinctive camouflage HH-3E "Jolly Green Giant" and UH-1P helicopters used in covert missions. • Covert Infiltration Missions: The 20th SOS specialized in inserting and extracting special forces teams deep in enemy territory, often under heavy fire. • The “Blackbird” Gunships: The 20th SOS operated the UH-1N “Blackbird” gunships, equipped for heavy fire support and night operations. • Key Role in Son Tay Raid (1970): Members of the 20th SOS participated in the daring attempt to rescue American POWs from the Son Tay prison camp in North Vietnam. • 834th AGS in Modern Times: The 834th Aircraft Generation Squadron (AGS) provided critical aircraft maintenance and support at Hurlburt Field, Florida, during the 1990s and 2000s. • Decorations and Honors: Both the 834th and 20th SOS have received multiple Presidential Unit Citations and Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for their valor and effectiveness. • Operation Desert Storm: The 20th SOS deployed MH-53J Pave Low helicopters to support special operations during the Gulf War, conducting deep penetration and combat search and rescue missions. • Legacy of Innovation: The units are known for pioneering tactics in night flying, low-level infiltration, and the integration of emerging helicopter technologies for special operations.