HQ USAF Special Operations Command

• Founding Date: Headquarters United States Air Force Special Operations Command (HQ AFSOC) was officially activated on May 22, 1990, at Hurlburt Field, Florida, consolidating Air Force special operations under a single command. • Legacy Roots: AFSOC’s heritage traces back to the Air Commandos of World War II, who conducted daring operations in the China-Burma-India theater, pioneering unconventional warfare for the Air Force. • Operation Eagle Claw: Lessons learned from the failed 1980 Iranian hostage rescue (Operation Eagle Claw) were a driving force behind the creation of dedicated special operations commands, including AFSOC. • Global Mission: AFSOC personnel operate in more than 70 countries worldwide, providing specialized airpower for unconventional warfare, direct action, counterterrorism, and humanitarian missions. • Unique Aircraft: AFSOC fields some of the most distinctive aircraft in the Air Force inventory, including the AC-130 gunship, CV-22 Osprey, MC-130 Commando II, and U-28A Draco. • Combat Controllers: AFSOC’s elite Combat Control Teams (CCT) are among the most highly trained Airmen, capable of establishing airfields, directing air strikes, and integrating with other special operations forces. • First Responders: AFSOC played a vital role in the initial response to the September 11, 2001 attacks, deploying forces within hours to support operations in Afghanistan. • Women in Special Operations: In 2016, AFSOC began integrating women into previously closed combat roles, following Department of Defense policy changes. • Valor and Recognition: AFSOC Airmen have earned numerous awards for valor, including Air Force Crosses and Silver Stars, for their actions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other global hotspots. • Innovation Leadership: AFSOC is at the forefront of technological innovation in the Air Force, pioneering new tactics, precision strike capabilities, and integrating unmanned systems into special operations.