Way of the warrior: air commandos embody a living combat heritage

Airman, Summer, 2007 by Matthew Rosine

"These people made great contributions to special ops," Colonel Sambogna said.

The association works to keep the air commando heritage vital for today's Airmen, he said. The "old timers" still regularly visit and support Hurlburt Airmen and their families and host social gatherings to pass on their heritage face-to-face to today's air commandos.

"We want to continue the link to the past," said Colonel Sambogna, who is from Manchester, Conn. "We (want to) keep a bond between the old guys and the new folks because it is the same thing, the same mission and the same enthusiasm for special operations."

The new warriors

At Hurlburt, Airmen continue carrying the torch passed to them from the past. Today's air commandos are still lighting the way for mission success wherever the Air Force--or others--need them.

As the Air Force celebrates its 60th anniversary, Air Force Special Operations Command and air commandos past and present are reflecting on their heritage, Lt. Gen. Michael Wooley said. The AFSOC commander said today's silent warriors don't forget from where they came.

"You look back on World War II, Vietnam, the fighting in Korea, and there are air commando heroes in every one of those conflicts," the general said. "The folks who wear the uniform of an air commando today really look back and cherish and celebrate those great heroes who have gone before them. We get inner strength from them to carry on in this global war."

The command stays busy. Its special mission is to provide Air Force special operations forces and capabilities around the world. Highly trained and rapidly deployable, these Airmen use state-of-the-art equipment and aircraft. Their missions range from precise application of firepower to infiltration, exfiltration, re-supply and aerial refueling. The command's 13,000 total force Airmen use the AC-130H/U--Spectre and Spooky--gunships, C-130 Hercules, EC-130 Commando Solo, MC-130 Combat Talon, MQ-1 Predator and MH-53 Pave Low helicopters.

Needless to say, heritage plays an important role in the day-to-day lives of special operations Airmen. Many retired air commandos are now serving at Hurlburt as instructors--passing on their hands-on knowledge. It's part of the wing's concept of Airmen training Airmen.

One of the courses Airmen go through is the pre-scuba training course. Instructors like retired combat controller Master Sgt. Tom Bevan and retired pararescueman Master Sgt. Bill Lyons run Airmen through rigorous, water-logged hours in the training pool. Students have to "fight off" the instructors who are trying to "drown" them. But as Airmen battle through the fear and exhaustion, their instructors, Airmen who were once in their fins, help them succeed.

"There is no one common issue," said Staff Sgt. James Light, a combat controller and advanced skills training instructor. "Each individual has his own devils to work out under water."

He said the job is, in part, to play psychologist and help trainees battle their demons.

"For the most part, we work them up to being as proficient as we can in a four-week period," the sergeant said.