318th Special Operations Squadron The 318th SOS, located on Cannon AFB, N.M., flies light and medium transport aircraft such as the Pilatus PC-12 and the M-28 Skytruck. The unit utilizes these aircraft to accomplish global special operations taskings as an Air Force component member of United States Special Operations Command. Crews plan, prepare, and execute theater mobility missions in support of joint special operations forces while directly supporting theater special operations commanders by conducting night vision infiltration, exfiltration, resupply and other combat taskings on unimproved runways. Lineage Constituted as the 318 Troop Carrier Squadron (Commando), and activated, on May 1,1944. Inactivated on Mar 25,1946. Redesignated the 318th Special Operations Squadron on Oct. 21, 1971. Activated Nov. 15, 1971. Inactivated on June 1, 1974. Redesignated July 27, 2007 as the 1st Special Operations Group, Detachment 4, and on Dec. 30, 2008 as the 27th SOG, Det. 2. Redesignated and activated as the 318th Special Operations Squadron on May 16, 2008. Assignments 3rd Air Commando Group, May 1,1944 - March 25,1946. 1st SOW, Nov. 15, 1971 - June 1, 1974. 1st SOW, Oct. 2007. 27th SOW, Dec. 30, 2007. Stations Camp Mackall, N.C., May 1, 1944; Dunnellen Army Air Field, Fla., Aug. ,15,1944; Camp Mackall, N.C., Sept. 12, 1944; Baer Field, Ind., Sept. 30 -Oct. 11, 1944; Nadzab, New Guinea, Oct. 26,1944; Leyte, Philippines Jan. 15, 1945; Mangaldan, Luzon, Jan. 26, 1945; Laoag, Luzon, April. 19, 1945; Le Shima, Japan, Aug. 25, 1945 (air echelon operated from Atsugi, Japan, Sept. 7 - Oct. 15. 1945); Chitose, Japan, Oct. 18,1945 - March 25, 1946. Pope AFB, N.C., Nov. 15, 1971 - June 1, 1974. Hurlburt Field, Fla., 27 July 27, 2007 - . Cannon AFB, N.M. , Dec. 30, 2007 - Aircraft CG-4, 1944; C-47, 1944 - 1946. C-130, 1971 - 1974. PC-12, 2007- Operations Transported personnel, supplies and equipment in the Southwest Pacific area, frequently operating from forward bases and evacuating casualties, c. November 1944 - August 1945. Provided unconventional warfare C-130 force to support warfare plans and rescue escapees from safe areas within enemy territory, 1971 - 1974. Honors Campaign Streamers World War II: Western Pacific; Leyte; Luzon. Decorations Philippine Presidential Unit Citation (WWII). SQUADRON EMBLEM On a black disc a white winged horse in flight over a globe with a grouping of stars. SIGNIFICANCE The winged horse "Pegasus" is symbolic of the rapid transport through the air. On occasion, "Pegasus" carried heroic figures in Greek mythology such as "Bellerophon" from place to place with great celerity. The horse, which is universally accepted as a beast of burden, is also one of the most dignified and proud of such animals. The Globe and continents represent the prodigious area in which the operations of the 318th SOS will embark. The placement of the "Pegasus" above the Globe symbolizes the rapid global mobility of the squadron. The grouping of stars references celestial navigation to aid the "Pegasus" in finding its way around the world. Black is symbolic of the cover of night utilized in Special Operations. White denotes the purity of our intent in supporting the mission. Gray signifies the humility with which we accomplish our tasks. Green symbolizes the hope that will be preserved. Blue symbolizes the power required to sustain the mission. Yellow signifies the honor and loyalty required in order to defeat the enemy.