HURLBURT AFB ACTIVATES NEW 24TH SPECIAL OPS WING

In today’s world, Special Operations, Special Forces, and High Tech Weapons are the key in defending our nation.  We are lucky to have all of these elements on one of the largest military installations in the world right in our back yard.    If you have been falling along with my BLOG (which you can review by visiting the link below), you will see the evidence of how important our area is to this country and the assets being placed here to accomplish our military missions.

Hurlburt activates 24th SOW; changes unit command

JUSTIN HEINZE / Daily News

2012-06-12 15:58:06

HURLBURT FIELD — A V-formation of airmen in scarlet berets stood at the center of the Freedom Hangar, each hoisting the flags of their respective squadrons, the chrome tips glimmering in the early morning light. They stood at the center of a seated crowd of hundreds of airmen, their families, veterans, and other dignitaries who had gathered for two historic Air Force ceremonies: the activation of the 24th Special Operations Wing, and the change of command of the 720th Special Tactics Group. “Many of you signed up after 9/11, knowing what special tactics would entail,” said Lt. Gen. Eric Fiel, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, of the perils facing the new wing. “You readily give tears, sweat, and blood.” Between operational and training units and recruiting locations, the 24th has 19 elements in 29 locations. Its missions will include airfield reconnaissance and personnel recovery. During the invocation, Hurlburt chaplain Capt. Jason Botts spoke of service members “transcending the allure of individual needs to serve the cause of something greater.” In the front row, a single empty seat commemorated those who had been killed in action. Above, rafters were painted with block letters declaring “The Combat Edge In Today’s World.” When the new commander of the 720th Special Tactics Group retook his Air Force swimming fitness test 21 years ago, the sergeant monitoring his test shaved a lap for him. “I’m here to pay back that lap,” said Col. Kurt W. Buller, to thunderous applause. “I might be kicking like hell in the water, and I’ll try not to piss in it. I’m gonna pay back that lap.” The 24th is the third active duty special operations wing presently headquartered at Hurlburt Field. Buller’s 720th is the major operational unit under the wing. He said he wanted the ceremonies to take place together so that he would have the chance to relay his story. Buller’s own scarlet beret indicated his experience as a special tactics combatant, a background which most unit commanders do not share. “It’s a recognition of the capability that special tactics Air Force brings to the nation, to the DOD,” said retired Brig. Gen. Bob Holmes, a former 720th commander, of the appointment. “These airman maximize the effects of land to air power.” Retired Chief Master Sgt. Wayne Norrad, a former command chief at AFSOC called it a “big morale booster” that special operations wings could now start promoting from within. When his speech was complete, Buller stepped off the stage and took charge of the 720th flag at the front of the V-formation, left hand curled against the small of his back at attention.