The U.S. Air Force has made a momentous decision by selecting Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, as the preferred location to host Air Force Special Operations Command’s (AFSOC) third power projection wing. This strategic move is set to transform the 492nd Special Operations Wing (SOW) into a power projection wing, equipped with all of AFSOC’s mission capabilities. Let’s delve into the actions that will be taken to turn Davis-Monthan into a powerhouse for regional focus and rapid response.
Tech. Sgt. Carly Kavish, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Relocation of the 492nd SOW: The first step involves relocating the 492nd SOW from Hurlburt Field, Florida, to Davis-Monthan AFB. As part of this transition, the 492nd SOW will be transformed from a support wing into a fully-fledged power projection wing, capable of undertaking a range of critical missions.
- Transition to OA-1K Armed Overwatch Aircraft: The U-28 Draco fleets currently stationed at Cannon AFB, New Mexico, and Hurlburt Field will be replaced with the OA-1K Armed Overwatch aircraft. One OA-1K Armed Overwatch squadron will be relocated from Hurlburt Field to Davis-Monthan AFB, bolstering the new wing’s capabilities.
- MC-130J Commando II Squadron Relocation: An MC-130J Commando II squadron will make its way from Cannon AFB to Davis-Monthan AFB, adding to the strength of the 492nd SOW. Additionally, another MC-130J squadron will be activated at Davis-Monthan AFB.
- Special Tactics Squadrons Relocation: The 21st Special Tactics Squadron, currently based at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina, and the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron, stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, will both relocate to Davis-Monthan AFB. This strategic move ensures enhanced coordination and cooperation within the new power projection wing.
- Activation of the 492nd Theater Air Operations Squadron: A pivotal component of the transformation will be the activation of the 492nd Theater Air Operations Squadron at Duke Field. This unit will subsequently transfer to Davis-Monthan AFB, further solidifying the wing’s operational capabilities.
- Inactivation and Retirement of A-10s: The 47th Fighter Squadron, the 354th Fighter Squadron, and the 357th Fighter Squadron, all stationed at Davis-Monthan AFB, will undergo inactivation. The respective A-10s operated by these squadrons will be retired. However, the 47th FS and 357th FS will continue A-10 formal training until the inactivation process is completed.
- Relocation of HH-60W Jolly Green IIs: The 34th Weapons Squadron and the 88th Test and Evaluation Squadron will relocate from Nellis AFB, Nevada, to Davis-Monthan AFB, accompanied by five HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters. These helicopters will significantly enhance the wing’s air-to-ground capabilities.
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