26 Nov 2019

DAGRE ensures force protection during Gryphon Pacific 20-1

Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Element operations are an essential part of the expeditionary basing concept. Special operators are able to go anywhere and establish an airfield in order to bring in forces, refuel, rearm, and continue the mission wherever it’s needed. The purpose of Gryphon Pacific 20-1 was to employ lethal, agile, resilient forces throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. This was accomplished by conducting long-range expeditionary basing operations within a high-threat environment.

22 Nov 2019

Anytime, Anywhere: Gryphon Pacific 20-1 challenges Special Operators

The purpose of the Gryphon Pacific 20-1 was to exercise the 353rd Special Operations Group’s ability to employ lethal, agile, resilient forces throughout the United States Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. Airmen hailing from Kadena Air Base, Japan, and assigned to the 18th Wing and 353rd SOG, conducted detailed planning and executed a complex mission with multiple different tasks.

19 Nov 2019

Team Kadena conducts Exercise Gryphon Pacific

The purpose of the Gryphon Pacific 20-1 was to exercise the 353rd Special Operations Group’s ability to employ lethal, agile, resilient forces throughout the United States Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. Airmen hailing from Kadena Air Base, Japan, and assigned to the 18th Wing and 353rd SOG, conducted detailed planning and executed a complex mission with multiple different tasks. The main focus of the exercise was to conduct long-range expeditionary basing operations within a high threat environment. A Global Access Special Tactics Team from the 320th Special Tactics Squadron, 353rd SOG, conducted a military free-fall jump to seize, establish, and control Wake Island Airfield. As part of Gryphon Pacific 20-1, two Special Tactics teams rapidly established and controlled landing zones capable of facilitating additional forces at both Wake Island and Kwajalein Atoll in the same night. The 320th STS employs Special Tactics operators capable of conducting Global Access, Precision Strike, and Personnel Recovery operations, strengthening regional alliances through global mission execution.

6 Nov 2019

Followers to Friends: Japanese Twitter fans explore Kadena

What do a breathalyzer, a recycling center, a go-cart, and an MC-130J Commando II have in common? They were all showcased to more than 35 visitors to Kadena Air Base during an observation tour which displayed the 18th Wing’s commitment to drunk driving prevention, stewardship of the environment, partnerships with local Japanese authorities, and world-class airpower.

9 Oct 2019

SOG Immersion Day

The 353rd Special Operations Group held a SOG Immersion Day for our U.S. military partners on 9 October, 2019. SOG Immersion Day is an opportunity to build upon our relationships with the 18th Wing and other joint leaders in Okinawa.

27 Sep 2019

SOG Spouses' Day

18 Sep 2019

Welcome to the Jungle

U.S. Army Green Berets from 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), invited Team Kadena Airmen to train with them at the U.S. Marine Corps Jungle Warfare Training Center (JWTC) at Camp Gonsalves, Okinawa, Japan.

16 Sep 2019

U.S. Air Force Outstanding NCO of the Year saves the life of a child on his way to receive the award

Tech. Sgt. Kenneth O'Brien, special tactics section chief from the 320th Special Tactics Squadron, was selected as one of the 2019 Outstanding Airmen of the Year and on his way to receive the award at the Air Force Association conference responded to an in-flight emergency.

26 Aug 2019

21st SOS exercises low-light flight operations with USS Ronald Reagan

16 Aug 2019

AFSOC Director of Operations visits the 353rd SOG

Brig. Gen. Brenda Cartier, Air Force Special Operations Command director of operations, and Chief Master Sgt. Christian Hendrick AFSOC operations chief enlisted member, held all calls with the officers and enlisted members of the 353rd Special Operations group on 14 August, 2019. Since being promoted to Brigadier General earlier this year, Cartier