Pegasus

Special operations task unit

MISSION

SOTU-PEGASUS is the dedicated special operations aviation detachment assigned to Joint Task Force Olympus. Composed of highly trained rotary- and fixed-wing pilots, crew chiefs, and mission planners, Pegasus provides responsive, multi-role aviation support to JTFO elements across the full spectrum of special operations.

Precision Infiltration and Exfiltration:
Pegasus specializes in covert, time-sensitive infiltration and exfiltration of SOF elements in both permissive and denied environments—day or night, in any weather.

Multi-Platform Aviation Support:
Operating a tailored fleet of NATO and foreign-adapted aircraft, Pegasus crews adapt platform selection to meet specific mission profiles, whether for deep insertions, urban lifts, or clandestine overwatch.

ISR and Overwatch Integration:
Pegasus provides organic aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, including real-time overwatch and target development to support ground maneuver elements.

Personnel Recovery (PR) and CSAR:
When JTFO personnel go down, Pegasus is the first call. The unit is trained and equipped for high-threat personnel recovery, including CSAR in non-permissive environments.

Sustainment and Logistics:
Pegasus enables sustained JTFO operations by moving critical personnel, gear, and resupply to austere or forward-deployed positions.

SOTU-PEGASUS

BREAKDOWN

structure

SOTU-PEGASUS is led by a Mission Commander and a Flight Lead, forming a dual-command structure that ensures both strategic oversight and tactical excellence. All pilots and aircrew fall within this clearly defined chain of command, promoting cohesion, discipline, and mission readiness.

  • Mission Commander:
    Responsible for the overall operational posture of SOTU-PEGASUS. Provides strategic direction, aligns aviation support with JTFO objectives, and oversees mission planning, risk assessment, and inter-unit coordination.

  • Flight Lead:
    Executes the Mission Commander’s intent at the tactical level. Oversees flight scheduling, training, and mission briefs, ensuring all pilots and aircraft are prepared for operational taskings.

  • Pilots & Aircrew:
    Operate under the Flight Lead’s guidance. Each pilot is assigned based on mission type, aircraft familiarity, and operational tempo, and is expected to uphold the highest standards of aviation discipline, safety, and execution.

SOTU-PEGASUS maintains a distinct selection and training pipeline that reflects the specialized skill sets required for special operations aviation. Unlike other JTFO elements, entry into Pegasus involves:

  • Advanced flight competency evaluation

  • Tactical flight scenario testing (e.g., low-level ingress, NVG ops)

  • Joint integration exercises with ground units

  • Rigorous standards in mission planning, platform versatility, and combat aviation doctrine

DANGER CLOSE.