In 1966, six aircrews and four MC-130E Combat Talon aircraft deployed from Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina to CCK Air Base, Taiwan, to support operations in Vietnam. This began the Combat Talon’s mission in the Pacific AOR.  Now in 2016, the 1st Special Operations Squadron continues that mission operating the MC-130H Combat Talon II aircraft.  Since 1966 Combat Talons have had a constant presence in the Pacific.  This heritage poster celebrates the rich 50 year history, even though the squadron designation has changed, the mission has remained the same, to provide specialized air mobility support to special operations forces in the Pacific. Anytime, Anyplace. "With the Guts to Try".

The MC-130E was the first Combat Talon and was developed to support clandestine special operations missions during the Vietnam War. Eighteen were created by modifying C-130E transports, and four lost through attrition, but the remainder served more than four decades after their initial modification.

The post 50 years of Combat Talons Pacific AOR, MC-130H appeared first on Squadron Posters.

The 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (18th AES) maintains a forward presence and supports medical contingencies in the Pacific to include the only neonatal air facility in the region. The squadron's area of operations is the largest in the military, reaching from the Horn of Africa to Alaska. The 18th AES deploys, establishes and operates elements of a theater aeromedical evacuation system, including a mobile staging facility, evacuation command and control, and crews for worldwide taskings.

The post Kadena AB KC-135, 18th AES appeared first on Squadron Posters.

The Northrop Grumman E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) is a United States Air Force battle management and command and control aircraft. It tracks ground vehicles and some aircraft, collects imagery, and relays tactical pictures to ground and air theater commanders. The 5th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron (5th EACCS) is part of the 18th Air Expeditionary Wing and operates the E-8 Joint STARS aircraft, conducting airborne command and control missions.

The post Kadena AB E-8 JSTARS 5th EACCS appeared first on Squadron Posters.

The 82d Reconnaissance Squadron is part of the 55th Wing at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. It is geographically separated from the 55th, operating out of Kadena Air Base, Japan. The squadron operates RC-135 aircraft flying reconnaissance missions.

The post Kadena AB 82nd RS – RC-135 appeared first on Squadron Posters.

This poster shows off the heritage of the 1st Special Operations Squadron with their unofficial patch.  The 1st Special Operations Squadron is part of the 353d Special Operations Group at Kadena Air Base, Japan. It operates MC-130 Combat Talon II aircraft providing special operations capability. Air crews are trained in night low-level flying, using night vision goggles.

For the version of this art with the Squadron’s Standard patch click here.

The post Kadena AB 1st SOS – C-130 V2 appeared first on Squadron Posters.

The 909th Air Refueling Squadron is part of the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, Japan. It operates the KC-135 'Stratotanker' aircraft conducting aerial refueling missions. The 909th is the Pacific Air Forces' 'lead force' for air refueling U.S. and allied aircraft during all contingencies. The squadron accomplishes aeromedical evacuations for military and civilian members, transporting patients to as far away as the United States when necessary. It also conducts Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) and headquarters- and command-directed missions.

The post Kadena AB 909th ARS appeared first on Squadron Posters.

The 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron (961 AACS) is part of the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, Japan. It operates the E-3 Sentry aircraft conducting airborne command and control missions. 

The Boeing E-3 Sentry, commonly known as AWACS, is an American airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft developed by Boeing. Derived from the Boeing 707, it provides all-weather surveillance, command, control, and communications, and is used by the United States Air Force, NATO, Royal Air Force, French Air Force, and Royal Saudi Air Force. The E-3 is distinguished by the distinctive rotating radar dome above the fuselage.

The post Kadena AB 961st AACS – E-3 AWACS appeared first on Squadron Posters.

The 1st Special Operations Squadron (1 SOS) is part of the 353d Special Operations Group at Kadena Air Base, Japan. It operates MC-130 Combat Talon II aircraft providing special operations capability. Air crews are trained in night low-level flying, using night vision goggles.

For the version of this art with the Squadron’s Custom patch click here.

The post Kadena AB 1st SOS – C-130 appeared first on Squadron Posters.

The 17th Special Operations Squadron is part of the 353d Special Operations Group at Kadena Air Base, Japan. It operates MC-130P 'Combat Shadow' aircraft providing special operations capability. Air crews are specially trained in day and night, low-level delivery of troops and equipment via airdrop or airland operations and flying using night vision goggles.

The post Kadena AB 17th SOS – C-130 appeared first on Squadron Posters.

This HH-60 Pave Hawk poster is dedicated to the to the men and women who support and conduct Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operations from Okinawa, Japan. Their mascot is the 'Jolly Green Giant' who is featured in the bottom right SURFING, checkout a close-up image in the gallery. The motto 'That Others May Live' is featured at the bottom, below subtle Japanese flowers, representing the ultimate sacrifice. The Japanese characters in the top right translate to 'rescue'. There is also a HH-60 conducting CSAR training in the bay. Their primary operational task is to rescue by locating, communicating with, and recovery of downed aircrews and isolated personnel. 

Kadena Air Base is a U.S. Air Force base in the towns of Kadena and Chatan and the city of Okinawa, Japan. It is often referred to as the "Keystone of the Pacific".

The post HH-60 CSAR Okinawa Japan appeared first on Squadron Posters.