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58th Special Operations Wing
58th Special Operations Wing
58th Special Operations Wing
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58th Special Operations Wing
Wing CV-22 Osprey
Active1952–1958; 1969–present
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
RoleSpecial Operations Training
Part ofAir Education and Training Command
Garrison/HQKirtland Air Force Base
MottoNon Revertar Inultus Latin I Will Not Return Unavenged[1]
EngagementsKorean War
DecorationsDistinguished Unit Citation
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Philippine Presidential Unit Citation
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Commanders
CommanderCol. Jason Allen
Deputy CommanderCol. Joshua Jackson
Command ChiefCMSGT. Christopher Ottenwess
Insignia
58th Special Operations Wing emblem (approved 18 November 1952)[1]

The 58th Special Operations Wing (58 SOW) is a combat unit of the United States Air Force stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. The 58 SOW is part of the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) Nineteenth Air Force.

The 58 SOW serves as the premier training site for Air Force special operations and combat search and rescue aircrews. The wing provides undergraduate, graduate and refresher aircrew training for special operations, rescue, missile site support and distinguished visitor airlift helicopter, fixed-wing, and tilt-rotor operations. The wing employs more than 2,000 personnel and trains over 2,000 students a year.

Overview

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The 58th Special Operations Wing's mission is to train mission-ready United States Air Force special operations, combat search and rescue, missile site support, and UH-1 Distinguished Visitor airlift crews. In addition, the Wing conducts all Survival, Escape, Resistance, and Evasion (SERE) training.

The wing operates eight different weapon systems: UH-1N, TH-1H, HH-60G, HH-60W, AC-130J, HC-130J, MC-130J, and CV-22 totaling more than 70 assigned aircraft. The wing teaches more than 100 courses in 18 different crew positions including pilot, combat systems officer, flight engineer, communications system operator, loadmaster and special mission aviator. The wing also responds to worldwide contingencies and provides search and rescue support to the local community. Additionally, the 58 SOW is responsible for training all Survival, Escape, Resistance, and Evasion (SERE) students for the Air Force.

The unit also provides people and airlift needed in response to crises around the world and assists civilian authorities in regional rescues. Supporting the 58th SOW training mission are approximately 2,000 military and civilian personnel administering over 90 training systems courses in 18 different crew positions. Assigned units are:

The 58th SOW's Operations Group is composed of six flying and two support squadrons, as well as three geographically separated pilot training units, one unit at Fort Novosel, Alabama, another unit at MCAS New River, North Carolina, and the third unit at Fairchild AFB, WA.

23d Flying Training Squadron (23 FTS) (TH-1H) (Fort Novosel, AL)
36th Rescue Squadron (36th RQS) (UH-1N) (Fairchild AFB, WA)
58th Operations Support Squadron (58 OSS)
58th Training Squadron (58 TRS)
71st Special Operations Squadron (71 SOS) (CV-22)
73d Special Operations Squadron (73 SOS) (AC-130J)
415th Special Operations Squadron (415th SOS) (HC-130J & MC-130J)
512th Rescue Squadron (512 RQS) (HH-60G & HH-60W)
58 Operations Group Detachment 1 (MV-22, MCAS New River, NC)
58 Operations Group Detachment 2 (UH-1N)
  • 58th Maintenance Group (58 MXG)
58th Maintenance Squadron (58 MXS)
58th Maintenance Operations Squadron (58 MOS)
58th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (58 AMXS)
  • 336 Training Group (336 TRG) (SERE, Fairchild AFB, WA)

History

[edit]
For additional history and lineage, see 58th Operations Group

Established as 58 Fighter-Bomber Wing on 25 June 1952. Activated on 10 July 1952 in Japan absorbing the personnel and equipment of the Texas Air National Guard 136th Fighter-Bomber Group.[2]

Korean War

[edit]

The 58 FBW moved to K-2 Air Base, later known as Taegu Air Base, South Korea, in August 1952. Fighter-bomber units like the 58 FBW provided close air support for United Nations ground forces. Often flying deep into North Korea's "MiG Alley," the 58 FBW targeted airfields, railways, enemy positions, bridges, dams, electric power plants and vehicles.

The 58th provided close air support for United Nations ground forces and attacked enemy airfields and installations. In 1952 and early 1953 the wing flew interdiction and close air support missions in as well as attacking special strategic targets such as military schools, dams, and port facilities. Having entered the war with slow, short-ranged F-84D Thunderjets, the 58 FBW transitioned in late 1952 to the new "G" model, designed with more speed and range. The wing attacked the major supply port of Sinuiju in September, inflicting heavy damage without loss of personnel or aircraft. Combining with other fighter-bomber units, it attacked the Kumgang Political School at Odong-ni, Kumgang County in October 1952 and the North Korean tank and infantry school at Kangso in February 1953. Truce talks between North Korea and the United Nations stalled in the spring of 1953. As a result, the Air Force began attacking previously excluded targets in the north. On 13 May 1953, Thunderjets from the 58 FBW struck the Toksan Dam, near Pyongyang causing a massive flood. Floodwaters from the breached dam destroyed ten bridges, ruined several square miles of rice crops, flooded over 1,000 buildings and rendered the Sunan Airfield inoperable. Three days later, the wing attacked the Chosan irrigation dam with similar results. The Far East Air Forces commander later credited the 58 FBW by stating the destruction of the Toksan and Chosan irrigation dams resulted in the enemy coming to the truce talks in earnest. On 27 July 1953 it attacked runway at Kanggye and, with the 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing, bombed Sunan Airfield for the final action of the war. The wing earned a second DUC for its actions in the last three months of the war.

These missions were not easy and they came at a cost. By the end of December 1952, the war claimed 18 members of the 58 FBW. According to recent listings from the Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office, the fates of 14 members assigned to the 58th FBW are still unaccounted.

The 58th FBW served in three Korean War campaigns and earned the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation for its actions in combat. After the armistice the 58th provided air defense for South Korea and deployed tactical components on rotational basis to Taiwan from January 1955 – February 1957. From 15 March 1953 to 8 November 1954 the 58th service-tested a "reinforced" wing organization, exercising direct control of the tactical components of the attached wings. In October 1958 it was re-armed with the TM-61C (Matador) tactical missile to provide a deterrent against attacks on South Korea, a mission that continued until 1962.

Fighter Training Wing

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58th Tactical Fighter Training Wing Lockheed F-104G Starfighter (USAF serial number 63-13269) during a training flight on 1 August 1979, armed with two (training) AIM-9J Sidewinder air-to-air-missiles.
550th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron McDonnell F-4C-21-MC Phantom 63-7675, Luke AFB, Arizona, 1972

On 22 August 1969, the Air Force redesignated the wing as the 58th Tactical Fighter Training Wing and activated it under Tactical Air Command at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, where it absorbed the personnel and equipment of the 4510th Combat Crew Training Wing. The wing conducted training of US, German Air Force, and other friendly foreign nation aircrew and support personnel, and participated in numerous operations and tactical exercises while operating Luke until April 1977. It managed Tactical Air Command's Central Instructor School from 1971–1981. Beginning in early 1983 it performed tactical fighter training for US and foreign aircrews in the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon.

The 58th deployed support personnel to Europe to augment United States Air Forces Europe units during the war against Iraq in 1991.

In the fall of 1991, its primary mission expanded to include tactical training in the F-15E Strike Eagle all-weather strike fighter. By 1994, the wing had trained pilots and support personnel from the Netherlands, South Korea, Turkey, Pakistan, the Republic of Singapore, Norway, Greece, Egypt, Indonesia, and Venezuela.

Modern era

[edit]

In April 1994, the wing's mission changed from the training of USAF and Allied fighter pilots to the training of USAF helicopter air crews and moved to Kirtland Air Force Base. It also trained crews in special operations aircraft, including helicopters and modified C-130 Hercules aircraft. It performed pararescue training and search and rescue missions as well. Additionally, the wing trained for missile site support and airlift for distinguished visitors. At the same time the wing continued to deploy personnel worldwide for contingency and combat operations.

The wing airlifted a federal task force to Pennsylvania to investigate the crash site of the fourth airliner following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks. Since that time the 58th has deployed personnel and equipment to support Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Today, the wing trains aircrews in the MC-130J Commando II and the CV-22 Osprey for the Air Force Special Operations Command; the HC-130J Combat King II and the HH-60G Pavehawk for the Air Combat Command (ACC), Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), and United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE); the UH-1N Huey or Iroquois for Air Force Space Command; the TH-1H Huey or Iroquois for initial helicopter flight crew qualification; and those aircrew operationally gained to those commands from the Air Force Reserve Command and the Air National Guard.

Lineage

[edit]
  • Established as the 58th Fighter-Bomber Wing on 25 June 1952
Activated on 10 July 1952
Inactivated on 1 July 1958
  • Redesignated 58th Tactical Fighter Training Wing on 22 August 1969
Activated on 15 October 1969
  • Redesignated 58th Tactical Training Wing on 1 April 1977
  • Redesignated 58th Fighter Wing on 1 October 1991
  • Redesignated 58th Special Operations Wing on 1 April 1994[3]

Assignments

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Source:[4]

Components

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Wings

Groups

Squadrons

Stations

[edit]

Aircraft

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

58th Special Operations Wing

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from Grokipedia
The 58th Special Operations Wing (58 SOW) is a major unit of the under , headquartered at , , where it serves as the primary training organization for , (CSAR), and personnel recovery aircrews. Its mission focuses on teaching, training, and developing Airmen to meet demands in nuclear support, personnel recovery, and , delivering mission-ready personnel on time for global contingencies and humanitarian efforts. The wing operates over 60 aircraft across six mission designated series and trains approximately 15,000 students annually, including pilots, combat systems officers, and aircrew members, while also supporting local rescue operations that have saved more than 225 lives in over 300 missions. The 58 SOW's lineage traces back to the 58th Pursuit Group, established on November 20, 1940, and activated on January 15, 1941, at Selfridge Field, , initially training pilots and providing East Coast defense during before deploying to the Pacific Theater for combat from 1943 to 1946. Reactivated as the 58th Fighter-Bomber Wing on July 10, 1952, at Itazuke Air Base, Japan, it flew combat missions in the , including notable attacks on dams like the Toksan Dam on May 13, 1953, before inactivation on July 1, 1958. It evolved into a training-focused unit, redesignated as the 58th Tactical Fighter Training Wing on August 22, 1969, at , , and finally became the 58th Special Operations Wing on April 1, 1994, at Kirtland AFB, consolidating training programs. Organizationally, the wing includes the 58th Operations Group, which delivers specialized training in special operations, CSAR, airlift, and helicopter piloting using aircraft such as the UH-1N Huey, TH-1H Huey II, HH-60W Jolly Green II, HC-130J Combat King II, MC-130J Commando II, CV-22 Osprey, and AC-130J Ghostrider, along with advanced simulators. Subordinate squadrons, including the 551st Special Operations Squadron, 58th Training Squadron, and 512th Special Operations Squadron, provide operational support, intelligence training, and contingency response capabilities. Recent developments include the full replacement of the HH-60G Pave Hawk with the HH-60W Jolly Green II by December 2024, following the first arrival in December 2020, and the start of AC-130J Ghostrider training in 2024, with the first aircraft arriving in September 2024.

Overview

Mission and Role

The 58th Special Operations Wing (58 SOW) serves as the primary formal training unit for the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), delivering specialized instruction to aircrew and support personnel in advanced special operations tactics. Its core mission focuses on developing proficiency in critical skills such as tactical infiltration and exfiltration, personnel recovery operations, and combat search and rescue (CSAR), ensuring Airmen are equipped to execute high-risk missions in austere environments. This training encompasses over 100 courses tailored to 29 distinct aircrew positions, preparing graduates for integration into AFSOC's global operational demands. As a key component of the (AETC), the 58 SOW provides graduate-level, mission-specific education that bridges foundational skills with operational readiness, supporting the U.S. Air Force's special warfare objectives. The wing's role extends to overseeing specialized programs like the (SERE) school at , Washington, which reinforces personnel recovery capabilities essential for expeditionary forces. By emphasizing between aircrews, special tactics teams, and support elements, the 58 SOW ensures seamless execution of joint , contributing to in contested theaters. The wing's motto, "These things we do, so that others may live," underscores its commitment to personnel recovery and the preservation of life in contexts, reflecting a doctrinal focus on humanitarian and warfighting integration. This drives training that prioritizes and resilience under duress, aligning with AFSOC's broader strategic imperatives. Operationally, the 58 SOW manages a fleet of more than 60 aircraft, including the MC-130J Commando II, HC-130J Combat King II, CV-22 Osprey, AC-130J Ghostrider, HH-60W Jolly Green II, UH-1N Huey, and TH-1H Huey II, distributed across multiple detachments in locations such as Kirtland Air Force Base (headquarters), Fairchild AFB, Dothan Regional Airport (Alabama), Marine Corps Air Station New River (North Carolina), and others. Annually, it trains approximately 15,000 students, fostering a pipeline of highly skilled personnel vital to AFSOC's worldwide contingencies.

Current Command and Leadership

The 58th Special Operations Wing is currently led by Jason D. Allen, who assumed command on June 21, 2024, during a ceremony at , . In this role, Col. Allen oversees approximately 2,300 Airmen responsible for training more than 100 courses across , personnel recovery, and nuclear support missions. Serving as vice commander is Colonel Joshua D. Jensen, who supports the in directing operations, maintenance, and training programs across three subordinate groups. The , Shaun A. Kegin, advises on enlisted matters, ensuring the welfare, professional development, and readiness of the wing's enlisted force. Within the 58th Operations Group, a key subordinate unit, Colonel Lane Cook commands the group's flying squadrons and training initiatives as of July 2025. Under this leadership, the wing has managed significant transitions in 2025, including plans for the integration of the 306th Intelligence Squadron, selected for relocation to in December 2024 to enhance intelligence support for training; the planned move aligns with efforts to consolidate resources previously at and . Additionally, wing leaders have overseen the receipt of the final production MC-130J aircraft in January 2025, bolstering advanced training capabilities for aircrews. Current command has prioritized innovations in training infrastructure, such as the enhanced fuselage trainers for the HC-130J, which provide realistic ground-based simulations for loadmasters and special mission aviators, improving personnel recovery mission readiness without full aircraft flight hours. These efforts reflect the leadership's focus on efficient, high-fidelity training to meet evolving demands.

History

World War II and Early Years

The 58th Pursuit Group (Interceptor) was established by the U.S. Army Air Corps on 20 November 1940 and activated on 15 January 1941 at Selfridge Field, , with the primary mission of conducting advanced training in preparation for potential American involvement in . Equipped initially with Curtiss P-40 Warhawk aircraft, the group focused on developing skilled pilots through rigorous flight maneuvers, gunnery practice, and tactical simulations at Selfridge before relocating to Baton Rouge Army Air Field, , in October 1941, to expand its training capacity amid growing tensions. By early 1942, the unit had moved to Dale Mabry Field, , where it continued operations under the redesignation as the 58th Fighter Group on 15 May 1942. Throughout much of , the 58th Fighter Group served as a key replacement training unit (RTU), instructing thousands of pilots destined for combat assignments in both the European and Pacific theaters. The group employed a range of aircraft, including the , , and Curtiss P-40 variants, to deliver comprehensive curricula covering , aerial combat, and instrument training. This training role was critical to sustaining U.S. air power, as the group prepared aviators for frontline duties without direct overseas deployment until late 1943. In November 1943, select squadrons deployed to en route to , where the full group transitioned to combat under the , conducting escort missions, patrols, and ground attacks with P-47 Thunderbolts against Japanese forces. During this period in the , the group included the attached Mexican , which flew alongside American pilots in support of the liberation efforts. The group earned the Distinguished Unit Citation for its defense of Allied positions on Island during intense aerial battles on 26 December 1944. Following 's surrender in August 1945, the 58th performed air patrols and occupation reconnaissance over until its inactivation on 27 January 1946 at Clark Field, , . In the early Cold War era, the 58th's legacy was revived through the activation of the 58th Fighter-Bomber Wing on 10 July 1952 at Itazuke Air Base, , under Far East Air Forces, to enhance tactical air capabilities amid regional instability. Constituted on 25 June 1952, the wing emphasized fighter-bomber operations, including pilot proficiency training and readiness exercises tailored to potential threats in the Pacific. Equipped with aircraft, the unit conducted intensive training in tactics, bombing accuracy, and air-to-air intercepts, establishing a foundation for sustained deterrence. By 1954, the wing transitioned to the , which improved its agility for defensive patrols and further honed crew skills through simulated combat scenarios. Early activities included rotational deployments across to bolster air defense networks, ensuring rapid response capabilities without engaging in major conflicts.

Korean War Era

In July 1952, the 58th Fighter-Bomber Wing was activated at Itazuke Air Base, Japan, absorbing the personnel and equipment of the 136th Fighter-Bomber Wing, before deploying to K-2 Air Base (later Taegu Air Base) in South Korea the following month to support United Nations forces in the ongoing conflict. This move positioned the wing at the forefront of tactical air operations in the theater, where it conducted missions until the armistice in July 1953. The wing's primary roles included providing close air support to UN ground troops and interdicting North Korean supply lines through attacks on railroads, bridges, airfields, and enemy positions in areas like MiG Alley. Notable operations encompassed strikes on strategic targets, such as the Toksan Dam on May 13, 1953, which released floodwaters disrupting enemy logistics, and similar assaults on the Chosan Dam on May 16, 1953. In spring 1953, the wing tested a "reinforced wing" concept by assuming support functions for the 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing, enabling coordinated strikes on ports, power plants, and vehicles. Equipped primarily with F-84 Thunderjets—initially the F-84D model before transitioning to the more capable F-84G in late 1952—the wing flew extensive combat sorties despite challenging conditions. During the reinforced operations in spring 1953 alone, it logged 10,422 sorties, delivering firepower equivalent to two full wings while maintaining relatively low aircraft and personnel losses compared to the intensity of missions; by December 1952, 18 members had been lost, with additional casualties by war's end. For its sustained combat performance, the wing received the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation for actions from July 10, 1952, to March 31, 1953, recognizing excellence in and efforts. Its subordinate 58th Fighter-Bomber Group also earned a Distinguished Unit Citation for operations between May 1 and July 27, 1953, highlighting the group's contributions to the final phases of the war, including the last fighter-bomber strikes on Sunan Airfield.

Cold War Fighter Operations

Following the armistice in the , the 58th Fighter-Bomber Wing continued tactical operations in the region, converting to F-86 Sabre aircraft in 1954 for air defense and reconnaissance missions. In March 1955, the wing relocated its headquarters to , , under the 314th Air Division, becoming the only permanently assigned tactical fighter wing on the peninsula and conducting routine patrols and exercises to deter communist aggression during the early . The unit remained at until its inactivation on , 1958, as part of broader U.S. Air Force force reductions in the Pacific. The wing was redesignated and reactivated on October 15, 1969, as the 58th Tactical Fighter Training Wing at , , under , shifting its focus to advanced pilot training for U.S. and allied forces amid escalating demands. Initially equipped with F-100 Super Sabres and A-7 Corsair IIs, it supported Vietnam-era readiness by graduating thousands of pilots for combat deployments, emphasizing tactical maneuvers, weapons delivery, and skills. By May 1971, the wing transitioned to F-4 Phantom II training, conducting comprehensive programs that prepared aircrews for multirole fighter operations in and beyond. In November 1974, the 58th Tactical Fighter Training received its first F-15 Eagle aircraft, establishing it as the primary training hub for this advanced air superiority fighter and marking a pivotal upgrade in airpower capabilities. The graduated its last F-4 class in June 1982 before transitioning to the F-16 Fighting Falcon in December of that year, training pilots in agile multirole tactics essential for and Pacific deterrence. By fall 1991, following redesignation as the 58th Fighter on October 1, it incorporated F-15E Strike Eagle training, expanding its curriculum to include all-weather precision strike missions that enhanced U.S. power projection in the late . The 58th Fighter Wing's fighter operations concluded with its inactivation on April 1, 1994, at Luke AFB, driven by post-Cold War realignments that shifted resources toward emerging global threats and priorities.

Transition to Special Operations Training

On April 1, 1994, the redesignated the 58th Fighter Wing as the 58th Special Operations Wing and relocated its headquarters from , , to , . This change marked a significant pivot from the wing's prior emphasis on conventional training to specialized missions in and (CSAR). The redesignation coincided with the inactivation of the 542nd Crew Training Wing, whose personnel, equipment, and training responsibilities were fully absorbed by the 58th Special Operations Wing. The wing's initial focus centered on delivering undergraduate, graduate, and refresher courses for aircrews operating HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and HC-130P/N Combat King aircraft, primarily for CSAR roles that involved personnel recovery in hostile environments. This training incorporated the integration of special tactics elements, such as coordination with ground forces for infiltration, exfiltration, and precision strikes, to prepare operators for joint special operations environments. Key developments during the early years included the wing's adaptation to support broader needs, such as providing trained aircrews for humanitarian assistance and contingency responses in the mid- to late 1990s, including operations in the and other global hotspots. The transition presented challenges in reorienting curricula from high-altitude fighter tactics to low-level, night, and adverse weather flying essential for , requiring the development of new simulators and instructional methods to meet these demands.

Organizational Structure

Lineage

The lineage of the 58th Special Operations Wing traces its origins to the 58th Pursuit Group (Interceptor), which was established on 20 November 1940 and activated on 15 January 1941 at Selfridge Field, . Redesignated as the 58th Fighter Group on 15 May 1942, the unit conducted combat operations during and was inactivated on 27 January 1946 at Fort William McKinley, , . The 58th Fighter Group was disbanded on 21 February 1951 but reconstituted on 22 October 1981 and consolidated with the 58th Wing to form the permanent lineage of the modern wing. The 58th Fighter-Bomber Wing was established on 25 June 1952 and activated on 10 July 1952 at Itazuke Air Base, , to support fighter-bomber operations during the era. It was inactivated on 1 July 1958 at , . Redesignated as the 58th Tactical Fighter Training Wing on 22 August 1969, the unit was activated on 15 October 1969 at , , shifting focus to tactical fighter training. Subsequent redesignations reflected evolving missions: to the 58th Tactical Training Wing on 1 1977, emphasizing broader tactical training; to the 58th Fighter Wing on 1 1991, incorporating advanced fighter operations; and finally to the 58th Special Operations Wing on 1 1994 at , , to conduct specialized training for forces. The wing's emblem, featuring a stylized eagle clutching lightning bolts and a , symbolizes speed, power, and precision in aerial combat and . It was originally approved for the 58th Fighter Group on 10 August 1942 and readopted for the wing on 18 November 1952, with the most recent rendering approved on 8 February 2018.

Assignments and Components

The 58th Special Operations Wing falls under the (AETC) and has been assigned to the since its activation in August 2014, which oversees flying training across AETC. Prior to the redesignation of as AETC in 1993, the wing's predecessor units operated under . The wing's primary subordinate components consist of three groups: the 58th Operations Group, responsible for flying training and operations; the 58th Maintenance Group, which provides and support; and the 58th Group, focused on ground-based and specialized training programs. The 58th Operations Group includes key flying squadrons such as the 71st Special Operations Squadron, which conducts CV-22 Osprey training; the for MC-130J Commando II operations; the 512th Rescue Squadron for HH-60G Pave Hawk missions; and the 23rd Flying Squadron for UH-1N Huey initial pilot training. The 58th Group oversees the 336th Group, headquartered at , Washington, which delivers Air Force-wide (SERE) instruction. Additionally, the wing maintains geographically separated detachments, including one at Fort Novosel, , for specialized undergraduate helicopter pilot training, and another at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, supporting advanced rotary-wing training. In a significant recent development, the wing assumed responsibility for AC-130J Ghostrider training in through the relocation of the Formal Training Unit from other sites, including the reactivation of the 73rd Squadron at to centralize all C-130J variant training, thereby reducing training timelines by approximately 30 days and enhancing efficiency.

Stations

The 58th Special Operations Wing traces its lineage to the 58th Pursuit Group, activated on 15 January 1941 at Selfridge Field, , where it conducted pilot training before relocating through several domestic bases including Baton Rouge Army Air Base, (October 1941), Dale Mabry Field, (March 1942), and Richmond Army Air Base, (October 1942). During , the group deployed to the Pacific Theater in November 1943, operating from bases such as Dobodura and Saidor in (1943–1944), San Roque and San Jose on and in the (late 1944), and and on (1945), before moving to Okinawa in July 1945 and in October 1945; it was inactivated on 27 January 1946 at Fort William McKinley, , . The wing's modern lineage began with the activation of the 58th Fighter-Bomber Wing on 10 July 1952 at Itazuke Air Base, , followed by a reassignment in August 1952 to Taegu Air Base (K-2), , in support of operations. It relocated to , , on 15 March 1955, remaining there until inactivation on 1 July 1958. Redesignated as the 58th Tactical Fighter Training Wing, the unit was reactivated on 15 October 1969 at , , where it focused on fighter training through the era until 1 April 1994. On that date, it was redesignated the 58th Special Operations Wing and relocated to its current primary station at , . Predecessor units contributing to the wing's special operations mission included the 1550th Training and Wing, activated at , , on 1 April 1971 and moved to Kirtland AFB on 20 February 1976, and the 542d Crew Wing, activated at Kirtland on 1 October 1991. The 58th SOW has no permanent overseas stations following the , though it has supported temporary deployments to various international sites as part of and operational requirements. The wing currently operates detachments and operating locations to support specialized training, including 58th Operations Group Detachment 1 at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina; the 336th Training Group at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington; 66th Training Squadron Detachment 1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska; 23d Flying Training Squadron Operating Location A at Dothan Regional Airport, Alabama; 24th Helicopter Squadron and 58th Operations Group Detachment 3 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama; 66th Training Squadron Detachment 3 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas; and 336th Training Group Operating Location A at the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado.

Operations and Training

Key Training Programs

The 58th Special Operations Wing conducts comprehensive aircrew training for key special operations platforms, including the CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft through the 71st Squadron, which graduated its inaugural class in 2007 following the wing's receipt of the first operational CV-22 in 2006. Training for the MC-130J Commando II, focused on infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply missions, is also managed by the 71st Squadron, with the final production aircraft arriving at in January 2025 to support formal training pipelines. Similarly, the 73rd Squadron, activated in 2024, oversees AC-130J Ghostrider training, marking the relocation of the formal training unit from to Kirtland to enhance high-altitude and multi-state operational proficiency. The wing's curricula extend to specialized courses emphasizing personnel recovery and (CSAR), integrating special tactics with aircrews for missions in contested environments, including low-level flights under adverse weather and conditions. These programs incorporate multi-platform syllabi that simulate real-world scenarios, such as threat recognition and dust-out operations in low-visibility settings. Additionally, the 336th Training Group, assigned to the wing since 2012 and based at , serves as the sole provider of (SERE) training for personnel. The wing as a whole delivers over 120 courses across 24 crew positions, training more than 14,000 students annually. To support these efforts, the wing employs advanced simulators, including the Enhanced Fuselage Trainer introduced in January 2021 for HH-60G Pave Hawk emergency procedures training, which improves hands-on egress and ditching simulations. Recent innovations include 2024 updates to HH-60W Jolly Green II training, featuring a new state-of-the-art training device for modernized aerial skills, with the first primary flying training syllabus completions enabling transition from the retiring HH-60G fleet. The 24th Helicopter Squadron, activated on December 6, 2024, at , provides training for the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter in support of and security forces missions. This aligns with the wing's full retirement of the MC-130P Shadow, replaced by the MC-130J to streamline refueling and infiltration curricula. The overall training scale handles more than 14,000 students annually across and CSAR pipelines, supported by over 2,500 personnel.

Notable Deployments and Missions

Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the 58th Special Operations Wing provided immediate support by deploying an MC-130H Combat Talon II aircraft to assist federal counterterrorism investigators at the crash site of in . The wing deployed more than 400 personnel in support of , , and other global contingencies from 2001 to 2014, contributing to (CSAR) and personnel recovery operations in and . A tragic highlight occurred on November 23, 2003, when Major Steven Plumhoff, an MH-53J Pave Low pilot from the wing, was killed in a helicopter crash near during . Wing personnel also participated in starting in 2014, with individual deployments providing and CSAR capabilities against threats in and ; for instance, multiple officers from the 58th Operations Group served in theater, executing missions that integrated air support with ground forces. In more recent global contingencies, the wing supported in August 2021 by processing over 5,000 at , , and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, , facilitating humanitarian evacuations and initial processing. Wing Airmen executed a landmark hostage rescue in October 2020 in , recovering an American citizen in the longest-distance night operation in Department of Defense history, completed within 48 hours of alert; this mission earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses and three Air Medals for participants. Domestic humanitarian efforts have included over 300 rescue sorties in the American Southwest since 1976, saving more than 240 lives through rapid-response CSAR. In 2024 and 2025, the wing contributed to exercises enhancing readiness for Pacific theater , with its training programs supporting allied contingencies in the region by qualifying aircrews for infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply missions. Notable events include the integration of the HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter, with the first aircraft arriving at on December 17, 2020, and completing its inaugural training flight on January 6, 2021; this platform replaced the HH-60G Pave Hawk, with the last legacy model departing on December 3, 2024, enabling advanced CSAR capabilities for . In July 2025, the wing's 24th Squadron conducted proficiency flights over on July 17, flying MH-139A Grey Wolf formations to build instructor qualifications and support global contingency readiness. The wing's contributions have had lasting impact, with its trained aircrews credited with numerous combat and humanitarian rescues during post-9/11 operations, including those in Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve. Personnel have received unit citations for valor in these theaters, underscoring the wing's role in deploying over 400 personnel and sustaining effectiveness worldwide.

Equipment and Capabilities

Aircraft Inventory

The 58th Special Operations Wing maintains an inventory of approximately 60 aircraft dedicated to training aircrews for special operations, personnel recovery, and support missions as of 2025. These assets span fixed-wing gunships and transports, rotary-wing helicopters for rescue and utility roles, and tilt-rotor aircraft for infiltration, enabling comprehensive formal training pipelines under Air Education and Training Command. Fixed-wing platforms form the backbone of the wing's and transport capabilities. The AC-130J Ghostrider, a heavily armed , supports training in precision fires and , with the first aircraft arriving at in September 2024 to consolidate gunship instruction. The MC-130J Commando II serves as the primary platform for covert insertion, extraction, and resupply missions, with the final production model delivered to the wing in January 2025 to complete its training fleet. Rotary-wing aircraft emphasize (CSAR) and utility operations. The HH-60W Jolly Green II, the next-generation CSAR helicopter, replaced the retiring HH-60G Pave Hawk fleet, with the last HH-60G departing Kirtland in December 2024 after 34 years of service; the HH-60W now trains aircrews in personnel recovery tactics, including hoist operations and . Utility helicopters include the UH-1N Huey for missile site support and distinguished visitor transport, alongside the TH-1H Huey II for initial pilot qualification and the MH-139A Grey Wolf for security forces rotary-wing training. The CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft rounds out the inventory, providing specialized training for special operations forces in long-range infiltration and exfiltration using vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.
Aircraft TypeRoleSquadron AssignmentKey Notes
AC-130J GhostriderClose air support gunship73rd Special Operations SquadronRelocated to Kirtland in 2024 for consolidated training.
MC-130J Commando IISpecial operations transport/infiltration415th Special Operations SquadronFinal aircraft delivered January 2025.
HH-60W Jolly Green IICSAR helicopter512th Rescue SquadronFleet addition following HH-60G retirement in December 2024.
UH-1N HueyUtility helicopter36th Rescue SquadronSupports nuclear security and airlift.
TH-1H Huey IITraining helicopter23rd Flying Training SquadronUsed for rotary-wing pilot instruction.
MH-139A Grey WolfSecurity/utility helicopterVarious training unitsIntroduced for helicopter training missions.
CV-22 OspreyTilt-rotor special operations71st Special Operations SquadronEnables vertical envelopment training.

Support and Training Assets

The 58th Special Operations Wing employs advanced simulators and trainers to enhance proficiency without relying on live sorties. The Enhanced Fuselage Trainer (EFuT), a ground-based device installed in 2021, simulates realistic emergency scenarios and malfunctions for HC-130J Combat King II loadmasters and special mission aviators, approximately 200 personnel annually while freeing for flight operations. This $19 million facility, developed over five years and located in Kirtland Base's "" hangar, connects to an instructor station for controlled simulations of critical procedures. Additionally, the wing utilizes four full-motion CV-22 simulators at Kirtland AFB, which provide tactical in day, dusk, night, instrument, and emergency conditions across varied weather and terrain, networked with other systems for combat scenarios. Ground support assets include specialized maintenance equipment managed by the 58th Maintenance Group, which ensures the readiness of platforms through safe, quality inspections and repairs at Kirtland AFB. The wing also leverages SERE facilities at detached locations, such as the U.S. Air Force Survival School at Fairchild AFB, Washington, where the 22nd Training Squadron conducts water survival courses covering ejection procedures, signaling, life raft operations, and hazardous aquatic environments as part of a 48-week basic SERE program. The 36th Rescue Squadron, under the 58th SOW, supports these efforts with live rescue hoist training and medical evacuation standby, integrating para-drop demonstrations and combat rescue procedures. Other training assets encompass night vision devices and gear for low-light operations, including the prototype Blink 180V22 system, an air-deployable lighting device that simulates enemy gunfire and landing aids, reducing reliance on disposable glow sticks and cutting monthly costs exceeding $8,000. This innovation, developed with the and tested in April 2024 using UH-1N helicopters, enhances realism. Adverse training incorporates procedural simulations in facilities like the CV-22 simulators, preparing crews for instrument and responses in challenging conditions. These assets facilitate integration during joint exercises, such as the 2023 Exercise at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, where maintainers from the 58th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron supported MC-130J operations alongside U.S. 160th Regiment elements, including , low-level flights, and infiltrations. Key facilities include the 58th Maintenance Group's hangars at Kirtland AFB, such as the historic "," which houses trainers like the EFuT and supports broader maintenance for aircraft. Recent preparations for the 2024 AC-130J Ghostrider relocation, with the first aircraft arriving on September 5 and five more planned, have consolidated training under the wing, leveraging existing infrastructure to reduce costs and accelerate qualification through academic and simulator phases. This move supports approximately 299 relocating Airmen, enhancing efficiency in New Mexico's diverse training environment.

References

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  44. https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article/4250082/grey-wolves-roam-alabama-skies/
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