1st SOW Senior Leaders

1st Special Operations Wing Commander

COLONEL MICHAEL E. CONLEY

Colonel Michael E. Conley is the Commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, FL. He is responsible for preparing Air Force special operations forces for worldwide missions in support of joint and coalition special operations. The wing's mission includes planning, posturing, and executing precision strike, specialized mobility and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The wing employs more than 80 aircraft, including the AC-130U, AC-130J, MC-130H, CV-22B, U-28A, PC-12, and MQ-9.These capabilities support a variety of special operations missions including direct action, unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance, counterterrorism, personnel recovery, psychological operations and information operations. Continue reading...

1st Special Operations Wing Vice Commander

COLONEL MICHAEL D. CURRY

Colonel Michael D. Curry is the Vice Commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, Florida. He is responsible to the 1st SOW Commander for preparing Air Force special operations forces for missions worldwide in support of Army, Navy, Marine and allied special operations forces and USAF counterparts. The wing's mission includes infiltration, resupply, air refueling and precision fire support, employing over 80 fixed and vertical lift aircraft including the AC-130U, AC-130J, MC-130H, CV-22B, U-28A, PC-12, and MQ-9. These capabilities support a variety of special operations missions including direct action, unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance, personnel recovery, counterterrorism, psychological operations and information operations. Continue reading...

1st Special Operations Wing Command Chief

CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT WILLIAM D. ADAMS

Chief Master Sergeant William D. Adams III serves as the Command Chief Master Sergeant, 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, Florida. He is the primary advisor to the 1st SOW Commander on all issues affecting the health, welfare, morale, training, development, and utilization of more than 5,000 enlisted Airmen. The 1st SOW is responsible for preparing Air Force special operations forces for missions worldwide in support of Army, Navy, Marine and allied special operations forces and USAF counterparts. Wing missions include infiltration, exfiltration, re-supply, air refueling, and precision fire support, employing over 68 fixed-wing and tilt-rotor platforms including the AC-130U, AC-130J, MC-130H, CV-22B, U-28A, PC-12, and MQ-9. These capabilities support a variety of special operations missions including direct action, foreign internal defense, unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, personnel recovery, psychological operations, and information operations.Continue reading...

1st SOW Commander

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U.S. Air Force
1.sow.commander-20 Nov

#OTD U.S. special operations forces executed Operation IVORY COAST, the Son Tay Raid in North Vietnam -- located only 23 miles west of Hanoi. Part of our rich special operations heritage, the mission took place 48 years ago during the darkness of Nov. 20-21, 1970. It was a long-planned operation to rescue approximately 75 POWs from the Son Tay prison camp. After training for months at Duke Field, 1st Special Operations Wing pilots and the ground force departed to conduct the mission late on the evening of 20 Nov. Although the mission was unsuccessful due to the prisoners being moved prior to the arrival of the assault force...as word of the attempted rescue reached POWs in Hanoi, morale soared as they realized America had not forgotten them. #Innovation and nearly half a decade has provided our force much better intelligence tools and training to guide our operations. Yet we owe so much to our predecessors upon whose shoulders we stand. #AnyTimeAnyPlace

U.S. Air Force
1.sow.commander-16 Nov

Twelve years ago today, on Nov. 16, 2006, the Air Force re-designated the 16th Special Operations Wing as the 1st Special Operations Wing. The 1st SOW, which traces it's lineage back to the 1st Air Commando Group from WWII, was designated the 16th SOW in 1993. Fortunately, the 1st SOW retained all of the honors garnered during that 13-year period--it was a pretty eventful time! BTW...on that same day, the 1st SOW accepted our first CV-22

U.S. Air Force
1.sow.commander-15 Nov

We have many Hurlburt Airmen unable to be with family this Thanksgiving, and several displaced families from Tyndall in our area. If you have empty seats at your dinner table this year, I encourage you to open your home and host some of these teammates for Thanksgiving. Everyone deserves the warmth and fellowship this holiday represents.

U.S. Air Force
1.sow.commander-14 Nov

We are just one part of a large, multi-faceted, and committed team. The 1st SOW supports the team with America's finest Air Commandos. Relevancy in the joint environment doesn't just happen...our people make it happen.

U.S. Air Force
1.sow.commander-10 Nov

To all of our Veterans, past and present...thank you!

U.S. Air Force
1.sow.commander-06 Nov

We may fly a variety of advanced, specialized aircraft, but make no mistake ... our 24/7 mission is accomplished on the shoulders of our Air Commandos. Day or night, rain or shine, they're on call and ready to provide specialized air power for America #AnyTimeAnyPlace

U.S. Air Force
1.sow.commander-02 Nov

Seventeen years ago today, on Nov. 2, 2001, during the early days of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, two 20th SOS crews, from the then-16th SOW at Hurlburt Field, were tasked to rescue a seriously ill Army Special Forces member in Afghanistan. Flying their MH-53 Pave Lows through extremely poor weather, one of the helicopters crashed high in the mountains. Several crewmembers sustained injuries and the aircraft was destroyed...thankfully there were no fatalities. The crew of Knife 04 received the 2001 Mackay Trophy for performing “extraordinary acts of valor and heroism” during the combat rescue of their wingman in 10,000’ terrain, darkness, sub-zero temperatures and white-out conditions. Read the entire story at the link below, starting on page 39.

U.S. Air Force
1.sow.commander-01 Nov

The 11th Special Operations Intelligence Squadron received an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award last Friday for their surge efforts over a 9-day period this fall...doubling their normal capacity when severe weather events impacted the operations of our joint partners. Just an example of Quiet Professionals doing what they need to do to execute the mission. There is a way...we find it.

U.S. Air Force
1.sow.commander-30 Oct

Ten years ago yesterday, the 1st Special Operations Maintenance Group earned the highest maintenance award within the Department of Defense ... the coveted Phoenix Award. Ten years later, the group continues to turn wrenches around the clock, around the world ... ensuring the readiness of 1st SOW aircraft, #AnyTimeAnyPlace

U.S. Air Force
1.sow.commander-30 Oct

What a great weekend and an awesome effort from Team Hurlburt...very memorable and glad to be part of it!

U.S. Air Force
1.sow.commander-26 Oct

For all our families ... Hurlburt Field housing will host Trick-or-Treating on Halloween night, Wed, Oct. 31, from 6-8 p.m.

U.S. Air Force
1.sow.commander-26 Oct

In case you haven’t heard, we have this event happening today...

U.S. Air Force
1.sow.commander-24 Oct

PARKING / SHUTTLE Information for Friday's Medal of Honor event, 26 Oct. Parking: West ramp of the flightline. Follow signs and volunteers' directions. Shuttle: Will run between parking and event areas, beginning at 8 a.m. with a temporary pause from 10-10:45 a.m. and 12:50-1:45 p.m.

U.S. Air Force
1.sow.commander-23 Oct

Team Hurlburt: You are cordially invited to the MSgt John A. Chapman Medal of Honor Celebration on 26 Oct at Hurlburt Field. This event provides all Air Commandos the opportunity to honor and exalt the heraldry, bravery and legacy of John Chapman. The full event schedule and list of the bands that will be performing Friday afternoon can be found attached and below. Many of us have been helping our team Tyndall neighbors during the devastation of Hurricane Michael. During the MSgt John A. Chapman Medal of Honor Celebration events on 26 Oct, there will be special seating for our Team Tyndall families in attendance and additional opportunities for your continued support and donations will be made available through our private organizations and affiliates. **Guests without a DOD identification card will need to be sponsored by an ID cardholder. ** Static aircraft displays begin at 9 a.m. The airpower demonstration takes place from 10 am-2 pm. Aircraft statics and demonstrations include the SOCOM Para-Commandos jump team; Special Tactics jumpers; A-10, F-22 & C-17 demonstration teams; aircraft from across AFSOC and bombers, fighters, transport and trainers from across the Air Force. We even have static displays from 7th SFG and other Army and Navy partners. There will be food & drinks available for purchase.

U.S. Air Force
1.sow.commander-22 Oct

AF Enlisted Village is still accepting donations for families affected by Hurricane Michael. Items needed most listed below.

U.S. Air Force
1.sow.commander-22 Oct

As we head into the week of our events celebrating MSgt John Chapman, let's take a moment to remember the ultimate sacrifice he made on that mountain in Afghanistan back in 2002.

U.S. Air Force
1.sow.commander-19 Oct

I know we have several displaced Tyndall families in the local area. Please spread the word to them that our A&FRC is staying open later this evening and through the weekend to assist with grants and family assistance questions.

U.S. Air Force
1.sow.commander-17 Oct

We’re almost a week away from our MSgt John Chapman Medal of Honor celebration at Hurlburt. Make plans to be here next Friday, 26 Oct, to honor the Air Force's first Medal of Honor recipient since the Vietnam War. The event is open DoD ID Cardholders and their guests.

U.S. Air Force
1.sow.commander-15 Oct

For anyone in the local Hurlburt Field area looking to assist directly with the Hurricane Michael Relief Effort: The Air Force Enlisted Village needs help organizing and inventorying donations that are coming in! All you have to do is show up and they'll put you to work! The POC there is Capt. Kristoff Elfante AF Enlisted Village, 92 Sunset Lane, Shalimar, FL 32579

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