UNSC Air Force Special Operations Aviation Wing

The Special Operations Aviation Wing, or SOAW, is a special operations unit of the UNSC Air Force, tasked primarily with providing aerial support services for military (predominantly special forces) operations and ensuring air superiority. The Wing operates a variety of atmospheric and exoatmospheric, support and fighter aircraft, and its members are typically expected to provide aerial support through hazardous flying conditions and heavy combat zones, as well as engage in high-risk aerial warfare against hostile aircraft. Special Operations Aviation pilots are graduates of UNSC Army Air Force Special Aviation Schools, which train pilots drawn from both the UNSC Army Air Corps and UNSC Naval Air Forces in familiarisation with aircraft and advanced appropriate tactics. SOAW pilots are distinguished by wear of the distinctive white beret, as well as the Special Aviator qualification tab.
Pilots of the SOAW saw action throughout the Human Civil War and Human-Covenant War attached to special forces units or as part of independent formations, making extensive use of advanced experimental aircraft such as the and V-52 Caracara.