Over 3,064,780 active members

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

Opening branch overview

Building the branch home surface

Loading branch highlights, featured unit context, and gallery moments.

Overview

Members

Units

919th Special Operations Wing

U.S. Air Force•34 members

919th Special Operations Wing Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the 919th Special Operations Wing?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

919th Special Operations Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 919th Special Operations Wing (919 SOW) was established in 1963 and is headquartered at Duke Field, Florida. As an Air Force Reserve unit, it operates under Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), providing specialized airpower including infiltration, exfiltration, resupply of special operations forces, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Over the decades, the 919 SOW has operated various aircraft, such as the MC-130 and U-28A, supporting global contingency operations and humanitarian missions. The wing is renowned for its adaptability, professionalism, and its critical role in both peacetime and combat environments.

About 919th Special Operations Wing

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Unique Status: The 919th Special Operations Wing (919 SOW), based at Duke Field, Florida, is the only special operations wing in the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC).
Established in 1963: The unit was originally activated in 1963 as the 919th Troop Carrier Group and has undergone several redesignations reflecting its evolving mission.
Special Operations Legacy: The wing transitioned to special operations in 1997, becoming a vital partner to Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).
Joint Operations: The 919 SOW frequently works alongside active-duty units from the 1st Special Operations Wing, creating a unique “total force integration” model.
Combat Shadow Era: For many years, the wing flew the MC-130E/P Combat Shadow, specializing in clandestine refueling and infiltration/exfiltration missions.
Global Deployments: Personnel from the 919 SOW have supported operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and other global theaters, often in high-risk environments.
First Reserve Wing with Gunships: The wing operated the AC-130A Spectre gunship in the 1980s, becoming the first Air Force Reserve unit to fly gunships.
Transition to New Aircraft: In recent years, the wing transitioned to the C-146A Wolfhound and U-28A Draco, supporting covert mobility and intelligence missions.
Humanitarian Missions: In addition to combat roles, the 919 SOW has participated in humanitarian relief missions, including hurricane response and medical evacuations.
Distinctive Emblem: The wing’s emblem features a black and white shield with a dagger and parachute, symbolizing its special operations capabilities and airborne heritage.

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

919th Special Operations Wing

U.S. Air Force•34 members

919th Special Operations Wing Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the 919th Special Operations Wing?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

919th Special Operations Wing

U.S. Air Force

Unit members

Randolph Weaver

U.S. Air Force · 1972 - 1973

Message View Profile

Wendell Jones

U.S. Air Force Military Retiree

Message View Profile

Joseph Rollins

U.S. Air Force · 1970 - 1975

Message View Profile

Andre Owens

U.S. Air Force · 1982 - 1994

Message View Profile

View all members

Air Force photos

View all photos

About 919th Special Operations Wing

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Unique Status: The 919th Special Operations Wing (919 SOW), based at Duke Field, Florida, is the only special operations wing in the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC).
Established in 1963: The unit was originally activated in 1963 as the 919th Troop Carrier Group and has undergone several redesignations reflecting its evolving mission.
Special Operations Legacy: The wing transitioned to special operations in 1997, becoming a vital partner to Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).
Joint Operations: The 919 SOW frequently works alongside active-duty units from the 1st Special Operations Wing, creating a unique “total force integration” model.
Combat Shadow Era: For many years, the wing flew the MC-130E/P Combat Shadow, specializing in clandestine refueling and infiltration/exfiltration missions.
Global Deployments: Personnel from the 919 SOW have supported operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and other global theaters, often in high-risk environments.
First Reserve Wing with Gunships: The wing operated the AC-130A Spectre gunship in the 1980s, becoming the first Air Force Reserve unit to fly gunships.
Transition to New Aircraft: In recent years, the wing transitioned to the C-146A Wolfhound and U-28A Draco, supporting covert mobility and intelligence missions.
Humanitarian Missions: In addition to combat roles, the 919 SOW has participated in humanitarian relief missions, including hurricane response and medical evacuations.
Distinctive Emblem: The wing’s emblem features a black and white shield with a dagger and parachute, symbolizing its special operations capabilities and airborne heritage.