355th Wing leadership participates in OA-1K Skyraider II familiarization flight

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos
  • 355th Wing
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  

The 492nd Special Operations Wing showcased the Skyraider II and its capabilities to 355th Wing leadership during a familiarization flight at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Jan. 21, 2026, in preparation for the aircraft’s assignment to DM with the 492nd SOW. The Skyraider II will provide special operations forces the ability to tailor effects to support the joint force delivering close air support, precision strike, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability.

U.S. Air Force Col. Charles Redmond, 355th Wing deputy commander, is fitted for a helmet prior to an OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft familiarization flight at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Jan. 21, 2026. The 492nd Special Operations Wing showcased the Skyraider II and its capabilities to 355th Wing leadership in preparation for the aircraft’s assignment to DM with the 492nd SOW. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos)

355th Wing OA-1K Skyraider II familiarization flight

U.S. Air Force Col. Charles Redmond, 355th Wing deputy commander, is fitted for a helmet prior to an OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft familiarization flight at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Jan. 21, 2026. The 492nd Special Operations Wing showcased the Skyraider II and its capabilities to 355th Wing leadership in preparation for the aircraft’s assignment to DM with the 492nd SOW. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kelvin Hatcher, 355th Wing command chief, receives a pre-flight briefing about the OA-1K Skyraider II prior to a familiarization flight at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Jan. 21, 2026. The briefing enhanced mission readiness by ensuring all aircrew were synchronized and prepared for safe and effective operations prior to flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos)

355th Wing OA-1K Skyraider II familiarization flight

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kelvin Hatcher, 355th Wing command chief, receives a pre-flight briefing about the OA-1K Skyraider II prior to a familiarization flight at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Jan. 21, 2026. The briefing enhanced mission readiness by ensuring all aircrew were synchronized and prepared for safe and effective operations prior to flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
U.S. Air Force Col. Charles Redmond, 355th Wing deputy commander, far left; Chief Master Sgt. Kelvin Hatcher, 355th WG command chief, left; and pilots assigned to the 492nd Special Operations Wing approach two OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Jan. 21, 2026. The Skyraider II will provide special operations forces the ability to tailor effects to support the joint force delivering close air support, precision strike, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos)

355th Wing OA-1K Skyraider II familiarization flight

U.S. Air Force Col. Charles Redmond, 355th Wing deputy commander, far left; Chief Master Sgt. Kelvin Hatcher, 355th WG command chief, left; and pilots assigned to the 492nd Special Operations Wing approach two OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Jan. 21, 2026. The Skyraider II will provide special operations forces the ability to tailor effects to support the joint force delivering close air support, precision strike, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

U.S. Air Force Col. Charles Redmond, 355th Wing deputy commander, grabs a helmet prior to takeoff in an OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft assigned to the 492nd Special Operations Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Jan. 21, 2026. 355th Wing leadership familiarized themselves with one of the new assets coming to DM in order to lead from the front and ensure Airmen across the base are mission ready on any platform. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos)

355th Wing OA-1K Skyraider II familiarization flight

U.S. Air Force Col. Charles Redmond, 355th Wing deputy commander, grabs a helmet prior to takeoff in an OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft assigned to the 492nd Special Operations Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Jan. 21, 2026. 355th Wing leadership familiarized themselves with one of the new assets coming to DM in order to lead from the front and ensure Airmen across the base are mission ready on any platform. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
U.S. Air Force Col. Charles Redmond, 355th Wing deputy commander, and a pilot assigned to the 492nd Special Operations Wing prepare to take off in an OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Jan. 21, 2026. Redmond participated in a familiarization flight to better understand the Skyraider II’s mission set and capabilities, enhancing mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos)

355th Wing OA-1K Skyraider II familiarization flight

U.S. Air Force Col. Charles Redmond, 355th Wing deputy commander, and a pilot assigned to the 492nd Special Operations Wing prepare to take off in an OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Jan. 21, 2026. Redmond participated in a familiarization flight to better understand the Skyraider II’s mission set and capabilities, enhancing mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kelvin Hatcher, 355th Wing command chief, adjusts the microphone on his helmet with guidance from aircrew assigned to the 492nd Special Operations Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Jan. 21, 2026. The 492nd SOW trains aircrews flying the Skyraider II to be ready to go whenever they are called upon to support Air Force Special Operations Command missions, any time, any place. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos)

355th Wing OA-1K Skyraider II familiarization flight

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kelvin Hatcher, 355th Wing command chief, adjusts the microphone on his helmet with guidance from aircrew assigned to the 492nd Special Operations Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Jan. 21, 2026. The 492nd SOW trains aircrews flying the Skyraider II to be ready to go whenever they are called upon to support Air Force Special Operations Command missions, any time, any place. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res