Para-Commandos to perform at 2011 Gulf Coast Salute Published Feb. 9, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Christopher Reel 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- United States Special Operations Command parachute team, 'The Para-Commandos' from MacDill AFB, Fla. are scheduled to perform at the 2011 Gulf Coast Salute Open House and Air Show March 26 and 27. The Para-Commandos are a joint parachute team which performs precision freefall and canopy parachute demonstrations at military and civilian air shows, college and professional sporting events, and various patriotic celebrations across the United States. They inform the public about the USSOC and its mission - 'provide a fully capable Special Operations Forces to defend the United States and its interests, as well as synchronize planning of global operations against terrorist networks.' The team consists of active duty military and Department of Defense civilians assigned to the USSOC. Many members of the parachute team have previously served in special services in other branches, such as the U.S. Army Green Berets, U.S. Air Force specialized combat controllers, and U.S. Navy Sea, Air and Land forces. "This is the only joint-service parachute team in the Department of Defense," said Lieutenant Commander William Kuebler, USSOC, public affairs chief. The team typically jumps from an altitude of 12,500 feet and freefalls approximately two miles reaching speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour. While assembling different formations, the members wear smoke canisters attached to their feet to make themselves more visible to the public below. "The team will consist of six to eight jumpers for the 2011 Gulf Coast Salute Open House and Air Show," said Lt. Cmdr. William Kuebler. The Para-commandos are just one of many presentations that are scheduled to take place at the 2011 Gulf Coast Salute Open House and Air Show. To learn more, visit http://www.socom.mil/socomhome/.