Wide Range of U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command Aircraft Coming to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021
May 6, 2021 – The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) will bring a wide spectrum of its aircraft designed for unique missions as part of its presence at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021, which takes place July 26-August 1.
“As we’ve solidified the roster of aircraft from AFSOC this year, the variety of aircraft coming to Oshkosh is truly impressive,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programming, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “Each of these aircraft have a distinct mission and role within AFSOC, and those stories will be told at AirVenture 2021.”
AFSOC is comprised of highly trained, rapidly deployable airmen, who conduct special operations missions worldwide. Airmen who undertake AFSOC careers specialize in unique skills such as parachuting, scuba diving, rappelling, motorcycling, survival skills, and more. Aircraft in the command include specialized mobility aircraft such as the MC-130, CV-22, and C-146, strike aircraft such as the AC-130 gunship, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft such as the MQ-9 and U-28.
The AFSOC aircraft are scheduled to arrive on Thursday, July 29, and remain through Sunday, August 1. There may be more than one of some models at Oshkosh. The aircraft roster includes (subject to change):
- AC-130J Ghostrider
- MC-130J Commando II
- EC-130J Commando Solo
- CV-22 Osprey
- U-28A Draco
- C-145A Combat Coyote
- C-146A Wolfhound
- MQ-9 Reaper
- MC-12W Liberty
The AFSOC aircraft will be on ground display with several participating in air show flying demonstrations. In addition, AFSOC personnel will participate in an evening program at EAA’s Theater in the Woods on Saturday, July 31, to highlight the activities and mission of the Special Operations Command.
