The wing was formed on 1 October 1993 at Hurlburt Field to replace the 1st SOW, which had been the primary Special Forces unit. Despite its illustrious history, the latter was inactivated to avoid the Air Force having two active-duty flying wings with the same numerical designation; the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley being considered to have had a superior pedigree. All the assets of the 16th SOW are stationed at Hurlburt Field with the exception of the HC-130s of the 9th SOS which are located at nearby Eglin AFB.