AUGUST 4, 2025 – Within six hours of notification, U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 353rd Special Operations Wing shifted from training operations in northern Japan to deployment for crisis response operations in the Philippines.
While participating in Resolute Force Pacific 2025 in Misawa, Japan, the 353rd SOW received orders to conduct life-saving efforts in response to severe flooding across Northern Luzon. At the request of the Philippines government, and in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command mobilized joint forces to respond to isolated communities.
The CV-22 Osprey served as a vital platform throughout the operation. Its ability to fly long distances at high speed, take off and land vertically and operate in remote areas made it the ideal aircraft for reaching hard-to-access locations such as Basco, Batanes. On July 30 and 31, CV-22s transported emergency food packs from Clark Air Base to flooded communities. Thousands more are scheduled for delivery in the days ahead. This is the 353rd SOW’s most significant employment of CV-22s since the loss of Gundam 22.
In addition to air operations, the 353rd SOW deployed a range of specialized forces and capabilities. Special Tactics teams were equipped and ready for missions involving swift water rescue, mass casualty response, collapsed structure recovery and operations at austere landing zones and drop zones. The wing also provided Special Operations Medical Element personnel and Security Forces, ensuring a full-spectrum response to humanitarian needs in the region.
The wing’s deployment was only possible thanks to the support from units across Japan. After a CV-22 conducted a precautionary landing at Iwate Hanamaki Airport on July 24, the 374th Airlift Wing at Yokota Air Base dispatched a C-12 Huron to deliver critical parts, enabling a swift return to mission-ready status. The 374th AW also supported by sending logistics and maintenance personnel forward with the contingent. The 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa AB provided ground support and personnel, including a public affairs specialist, to document the operation. At Kadena AB, the 18th Wing provided fuel to transiting CV-22s en route to the Philippines over the weekend, fully outfitted the base gym to serve as temporary lodging for deploying personnel, and provided a public affairs specialist to document.
“This was a true team-of-teams effort,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Stewart Parker, commander of the 353rd SOW. “Special Operations Forces cannot respond to crisis without the robust support we received from our Pacific Air Forces teammates. This operation demonstrates the importance of interoperability between Special Operations Command Pacific and joint components in the Indo-Pacific.”
The operation was conducted in close coordination with the Philippines’ Office of Civil Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, further reinforcing the strong and enduring alliance between the two countries.
“The United States stands shoulder to shoulder with our Filipino allies, especially in responding to disasters,” said U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson. “We are grateful to the combined relief and rescue teams who have been working tirelessly on the ground to deliver emergency assistance to affected residents.”
By 1st Lt. Cullen Drenkhahn
353rd Special Operations Wing