From the glider pilots who landed deep behind Jpanese lines, to the gunship crews who hunted over the dark jungle of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, to Desert Storm's Special Operations choppers, al the daring rescues and last-minute landings are here, straight from the Air Commandos' own stories. Includes eight-page photo insert.

They are among the most elite of all U.S. military, special forces subject to a rigorous selection and training process. Air commandos perform highly dangerous and often secret operations. They are involved in special military operations, counterinsurgency, and counterterrorism. In addition, they are called upon to intervene in grave emergencies and natural disasters. This book examines the role that air commandos play in these operations. It covers their dramatic histories, their selection and training regimen, and some of their most exciting missions, including Operation Neptune Spear, the raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound.

Parachuting from planes to rescue wounded soldiers. Providing supplies to fighters on the ground. Dropping behind enemy lines for surprise attacks. These missions are the work of the U.S. Air Commandos. These soldiers are trained to fly high-tech aircraft, handle powerful weapons, provide medical care, and carry out on-the-ground combat. Discover how Air Commandos provide support to every branch of the military, "any time, any place."

Introduces the United States Air Force's Special Operations Wings including their history, development, missions, specific jobs of crew members, and equipment.

Presenting a fascinating insider's view of U.S.A.F. special operations, this volume brings to life the critical contributions these forces have made to the exercise of air & space power. Focusing in particular on the period between the Korean War & the Indochina wars of 1950-1979, the accounts of numerous missions are profusely illustrated with photos & maps. Includes a discussion of AF operations in Europe during WWII, as well as profiles of Air Commandos who performed above & beyond the call of duty. Reflects on the need for financial & political support for restoration of the forces. Bibliography. Extensive photos & maps. Charts & tables.

"1943, General Henry H. "Hap" Arnold, the commanding general of U.S. Army Air Forces, wanted to demonstrate that Allied forces could use "ships in the air" (just like the Navy used ships on the sea)to stage an aerial invasion of Burma. Air Commandos against Japan tells the story of how within a few short months these daring aviators trained and equipped an entirely new kind of organization, moved it to India, established bases, and then led it into combat in support of an eccentric and combative British officer named Orde C. Wingate." "In Japanese-occupied Burma, where terrain made a textbook frontal assault on the Japanese impossible, the Air Commandos took an unorthodox approach to the fight, using unconventional hit-and-run tactics to confuse the enemy and to destroy their lines of communication and supply. This book describes how the unit successfully attacked the enemy from the air, resupplied British commandos on the ground, and airlifted the wounded out of the battle area - eventually driving the Japanese out of Burma."--BOOK JACKET.

In 1943 the U.S. Army Air Forces created what would become the Air Commandos, a unit that marked a milestone in tactical operations in support of British ground forces invading Burma. William T. Y’Blood tells the story of how these daring American aviators trained and went into combat using unconventional hit-and-run tactics to confuse the enemy and destroy their lines of communication and supply. The force comprised light planes to evacuate wounded, transports to move heavy cargo, fighters, gliders, helicopters, and more than five hundred men. The book describes how this top-secret force successfully attacked the enemy from the air, resupplied British commandos on the ground, and airlifted the wounded out of the battle area—eventually driving the Japanese out of Burma.