Lineage. Established as USAF Special Air Warfare Center, and activated on 19 Apr 1962. Organized on 27 Apr 1962. Redesignated USAF Special Operations Force on 8 Jul 1968. Inactivated on 1 Jul 1974. Redesignated Air Forces Special Operations Forces on 8 Dec 2005. Activated on 13 Dec 2005. Redesignated 623 Air and Space Operations Center on 1 Jan 2008.
Assignments. Tactical Air Command, 19 Apr 1962-1 Jul 1974. Air Force Special Operations Command, 13 Dec 2005; Twenty-Third Air Force, 1 Jan 2008-.
Stations. Eglin AFB, FL, 27 Apr 1962-1 Jul 1974. Hurlburt Field, FL, 13 Dec 2005-
Commanders. Maj Gen Gilbert L. Pritchard, 27 Apr 1962; Maj Gen Thomas C. Corbin, 1 Sep 1966; Brig Gen Robert L. Cardenas, 16 May 1968; Brig Gen Joseph G. Wilson, 11 Jul 1969; Brig Gen LeRoy J. Manor, 18 Feb 1970; Brig Gen James A. Knight Jr., 22 Feb 1971; Brig Gen John F. Barnes, 1 Sep 1972; Brig Gen William J. Holton, 6 Sep 1973-1 Jul 1974. Col Richard W. Leibach, 13 Dec 2005; Col Thomas D. Yanni, 24 May 2006-.
Aircraft. A-l, 1962-1971; B-26, 1962-1965; C-46, 1962-1964; C-47, 1962-1974; C-123, 1962-1974; L-28, 1962-1968; RB-26, 1962-1964; T-28, 1962-1972; U-10, 1962-1974; L-19, 1963-1964; 0-1, 1963-1971; T-29, 1963-1974; T-33, 1963-1974; YAT-37, 1964; H-21, 1965-1966; UH-1, 1965-1974; A-26, 1966-1967; U-3, 1966-1967; VC-47, 1966-1973; VT-29, 1966-1967, 1971-1972; AC-47, 1967-1972; O-2, 1967-1974; T-39, 1967-1974; OV-10, 1968-1974, AC-119, 1970-1974; AC/C-130, 1970-1974; QU-22, 1970-1972; TC-47, 1970-1972; UC-123, 1970-1972; A-37, 1971-1974; CH-3, 1973-1974.
Operations. Carried out a diversified mission of training, indoctrinating, equipping, and administering air commando (later, special operations) forces; maintained a capability to deploy combat-ready forces on a worldwide basis. Trained USAF and Republic of Vietnam aircrews during the conflict in Southeast Asia. Developed doctrine, tactics, techniques and equipment for USAF and Special Operations Force units in the conduct of counter insurgency, unconventional warfare, and psychological warfare operations using a wide variety of aircraft. Carried out numerous major and minor humanitarian and civic action operations worldwide, deployed mobile training teams, detachments and other personnel to critical sites as required. Also provided advice and assistance in the preparation and execution of foreign military assistance and air programs, including training indigenous air forces in overseas areas, and providing direct support to U.S. Army Special Forces by supplying air capability for resupply, infiltration, strike and reconnaissance operations. Establishment underwent a major reorganization in Jul 1968, when the center was redesignated and elevated to a numbered air force level. The 623d's mission changed in Jan 2008 to command and control of special operations assigned or gained forces, integration of joint mission information systems, and operation of the AFSOC Operations Center on behalf of the Commander, Air Force Special Operations Command.
Service Streamers. None.
Campaign Streamers. None.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers. None.
Decorations. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award: 1 Sep 2005-30 Sep 2007.
Lineage, Assignments, Stations, Commanders, Operations and Honors through 28 Jan 2008.
Aircraft through Jul 1974.
Supersedes statement prepared on 5 Jan 2006.
Emblem. Approved on 22 Jun 1966, modified on 16 Mar 2006.
Prepared by Carl E. Bailey.
Reviewed by Daniel L. Haulman.