The unit was established as the 353rd SOW in 1990 as the air component for special operations in the western Pacific region, operating the MC-130E, MH-53J and HC130N/P. The wing was stationed at Clark AB with a squadron based at Kadena AB, although the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in mid-1991 forced the USAF to vacate Clark and move to NAS Cubi Point initially, before relocating to Kadena. The wing was downgraded to Group status in December 1992. The 31st SOS is stationed at Osan AB, Republic of Korea (RoK).