Air Commandos of the Pacific celebrate traditions, heritage

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Marilyn C. Holliday
  • 353d Special Operations Group Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  In an event steeped in tradition and heritage, members from the 353rd Special Operations Group gathered for a combat dining out in the 353rd Maintenance Squadron hangar here.

The event was held April 4 in commemoration of the anniversary of Operation Eagle Claw, a failed rescue attempt that led to the creation of the United States Special Operations Command.

"It's important for us to remember where we came from," said Col. David Mullins, 353rd SOG commander. "Hosting a dining out allows us to gather with military and family members to pay tribute to those who have gone before us."

Operation Eagle Claw, also referred to as Desert One, was a failed rescue mission into Iran in 1980 that led captors to move American hostages to locations throughout Iran and keep them hostage for 444 days after captivity. The rescue attempt was made April 24, 1980 and the hostages were held until Jan. 20, 1981.

Guest speaker for the event was retired Col. Ray Turnczynski, who flew as one of the pilots on an MC-130 that landed at Desert One. He spoke about the mission and the eight military members that died during the rescue attempt.

The joint mission involved U.S. Marine Corps RH-53 helicopters, MC-130 Combat Talon aircraft and EC-130 Commando Solo airborne battlefield command and control centers, AC-130 Spectre gunships and C-141 Starlifters.

The failure was linked to a multitude of mishaps, to include pilots only being able to fly at or below 200 feet to avoid radar. This action caused dust storms that forced helicopter pilots to land and not finish the mission. Inoperable helicopters and poor planning due to weather conditions were also causes of the failed attempt. Following an accident where a C-130 aircraft and a helicopter crashed, the mission was aborted.

Because of the failed rescue attempt, special operations forces from each of the military services are now under the overall control of USSOCOM.

"Although Desert One was a failure, the sacrifices of those eight members were not in vain," said Master Sgt. Rebecca Carlson, combat dining out project officer. "This combat dining out gives us a chance to remember our heritage while creating an opportunity for camaraderie. We're proud of both the military and Special Operations Forces heritage."

More than 300 dining out participants processed through a deployment line, then made their way through an obstacle course, before being seated for the event.

"Having never been to an event like this before, I couldn't have imagined what to expect," said Airman 1st Class J.P. Thomas, first timer to a combat dining out. "It definitely boosted my morale. Nowhere else could I squirt water guns at senior leaders and co-workers and get away with it. I will never forget the 353rd SOG Combat Dining Out."

The combat dining out is the newest of the dining-in traditions and is popular in operational units. The format and sequence of events are built around the traditional dining-in, which is a descendant of the wing dings of Gen. Hap Arnold's time during World War II. The addition of non-military personnel is what differentiates the dining out from the dining-in and wing dings.

For this event, military members and civilians alike were authorized to wear variations of Air Force uniforms.

The 353rd SOG is comprised of 750 members who make up the only Air Force special operations unit in the Pacific. Members from the 1st and 17th Special Operations Squadrons, 320th Special Tactics Squadron, 353rd Maintenance and Operations Support Squadrons and Det. 3, 25th Intelligence Squadron were all in attendance.