Aerial gunners and their 50caliber machine guns
Channel: AirF Force
Date: 2013-09-19

Aerial gunners and their 50-caliber machine guns allow Combat Search and Rescue teams to go almost anywhere
All USAF special operations are under the command of AFSOC. AFSOC is an Air Force major command and constitutes the Air Force component of the unified USSOCOM. AFSOC is organized into one active component Special Operations Wing, two active Special Operations Groups, one active Special Tactics Group, and two reserve Special Operations Wings. AFSOC forces are apportioned and assigned by the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to USSOCOM and theater Commanders in Chief (CINC). AFSOC has OPCON of CONUS-based forces while theater SOCs exercise OPCON of assigned or OCONUS assets. Only USCINCPAC and USCINCEUR have theater assigned AFSOC forces.

Air Force SOF consists of uniquely equipped fixed and rotary wing aircraft operated by highly trained aircrews whose missions include insertion, extraction, resupply, aerial fire support, refueling, combat search and rescue, and PSYOP. Weapons systems operated by AFSOC include:

� MC-130E Combat Talon I

� MC-130H Combat Talon II

� MC-130P Combat Shadow

� AC-130H Spectre Gunship

� AC-130U Spooky II Gunship

� MH-53J Pave Low III

� MH-60G Pave Hawk

� EC-130E Commando Solo

The Special Tactics Group is comprised of Air Force Combat Control, Pararescue and Combat Weather personnel capable of providing terminal guidance for weapons, control of assault zone aircraft, fire support, medical support, and weather support. They also operate expeditionary airfields, conduct classified missions, and support combat rescue missions.