Air Commandos mark historical milestone with 6.7-mile ruck march

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Marelise Wood
  • 352nd Special Operations Group Public Affairs
RAF MILDEHALL, England --  On March 5, Air Commandos from the 352nd Special Operations Group gathered for an annual 6.7-mile ruck march to commemorate Operation Thursday, a milestone in special operations history.

In 2007, a publication by Air Force Special Operations Command, Operation Thursday, which occurred March 5 to 6, 1944, was described as "a bold unconventional use of American air power to support British ground troops in Burma."

The publication goes on to say "Operation Thursday marked a critical development in the history of modern warfare. U.S. Airmen formed a special operations unit - the 1st Air Commando Group - to transport troops to jungle locations and resupply them, often in the line of fire."

Operation Thursday led to the Air Commandos accomplishing several 'firsts.' They were the first air unit designed to support a ground unit; first composite air unit, and the first air unit employed with total autonomy. In addition, their actions were part of the first aerial invasion into enemy territory and the first nighttime heavy glider assault landing.

The successes of Operation Thursday highlighted the importance of air power and led to the formation of the predecessor to the 352nd SOG, the 2nd Air Commando Group.

Today, members of the 352nd SOG routinely provide support for our allies behind enemy lines, capitalizing on specialized air commando training, equipment and airframes like the MC-130P Combat Shadow and MC-130H Combat Talon II.

"The heroic efforts of our predecessors continue to foster the pride and professionalism that embody each and every Air Commando that serves today," said Col. Gary McCollum, 352nd SOG commander. "It is with great honor that we take today to pay special tribute to the sacrifices of yet another group of American servicemen that lit the torch for all of us to follow."