With limited conflicts becoming more widespread, and the rise in importance of unconventional warfare methods, it is no surprise that the US Air Force has a large and ever-growing Special Operations fleet. This group has also assumed the responsibility for combat rescue of downed aircrew, a major consideration in wartime with a dramatic effect in both morale and cost terms. Helicopters and Hercules sum up the Special Operations fleet, equipped as it is with the Sikorsky MH-53J and HH/MH-60G for rotary-wing operations, and several special C-130 variants for a variety of tasks. The most spectacular of these are the AC-130 gunships, presently comprising AC-130A (Reserve) and AC-130H (active-duty). The active-duty gunship unit has welcomed the new AC-130U into its ranks, passing its current aircraft on to the Reserve. MC-130s are also in service, these being dedicated to Special Operations roles involving the covert infil/exfil of commando teams and their equipment, psy-war leaflet dropping or even use as makeshift bombers. New MC-130H aircraft have entered service to increase the force's effectiveness. Two further Hercules variants are in use: the HC-130 for the support (including refueling) of rescue helicopters, and the EC-130E, a handful of which fly with an Air National Guard unit on psychological warfare and related tasks.

Sophisticated avionics allow the MC-130, MH-53 and MH-60 to operate in all weathers and at very low level, necessary for their chosen roles. In addition to their Special Operations roles, the AC-130s are often called upon to act in a more conventional tactical manner, supporting troops-in-contact over a lightly defended battlefield.