Past Captain’s Corner Entry

Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2011

Our February speakers, Capt Chris Foster and Col Hank Sanders, AFSOC/DS, gave an outstanding briefing on AFSOC, its history, current structure, and operational tasks and missions.  Capt Foster reviewed the role of Special Operations during WWII, the Korean War and the increased need for Special Ops during the Viet Nam conflict.  Especially interesting was the introduction of the AC-130 Gunship with its success in combating and stopping the shipment of weapons and supplies on the Ho Chi Minh Trail.  He then discussed Air Force Special Operations being reborn after our disappointment with the rescue of American hostages in Iran on April 1980, and its evolution to its current operational role throughout the world today.  AFSOC, as we know it, became a Major Command on 22 May 1990.  Of note was the growing age of most C-130 aircraft and the need to recapitalize/modify existing aircraft to meet current and future missions.  AFSOC has approximately 12,900 active-duty, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and civilian personnel.  The command is composed of highly trained, rapidly deployable Airmen who are equipped with specialized aircraft.  These forces conduct global special operations missions ranging from precision application of firepower, infiltration, aviation foreign internal defense, exfiltration, resupply and refueling of SOF operational elements.  The command's Special Tactics Squadrons are led by Special Tactics Officers (STO).  Special Tactics Squadrons combine Combat Controllers, Tactical Air Control Personnel (TACP), Special Operations Weather Technicians, Pararescuemen, and Combat Rescue Officers to form versatile SOF teams.  AFSOC's unique capabilities include airborne radio and television broadcast for psychological operations, as well as combat aviation advisors to provide other governments military expertise for their internal development.

There will be an addition to Seagull Flight 61 By-Laws to include an amendment for a "Friends of the Flight" program.  This program will mirror the program as outlined by the National Daedalian Guidelines.  This will permit a Flight to confer adjunct status on individuals that a Flight would like to have affiliate with the Flight, but who do not otherwise meet Daedalian membership criteria.  This program will be for individuals only (not companies nor organizations).

Col Stan Menees has volunteered to be our Assistant Treasurer.  We still are in need of filling one vacant position:  Vice Flight Captain.  Please consider supporting your Seagull Flight by volunteering for this important and rewarding position.

See you at Eglin on 17 March.

Volabamus, Volamus

Charlie Heifner
Flight Captain