58th Special Operations Wing

The 58th Special Operations Wing (58 SOW) is a unit of the United States Air Force assigned to the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. It serves as the premier training organization for Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and Air Combat Command (ACC) aircrews. Its primary mission involves the formal training of personnel for special operations, combat search and rescue (CSAR), missile site support, and distinguished visitor airlift. In addition to its training role, the wing maintains a secondary capability, which is to support domestic search and rescue operations and humanitarian relief efforts when called upon by federal authorities.

The wing operates a diverse fleet of rotary-wing, tilt-rotor, and fixed-wing aircraft to execute its training mandates. This includes the CV-22 Osprey, HC-130J Combat King II, MC-130J Commando II, UH-1N Twin Huey, and TH-1H Iroquois. Annually, the 58 SOW trains over 2,000 students in more than 100 separate courses, providing specialized instruction in low-level flight, night vision goggle operations, and aerial refueling.

Originally constituted as the 58th Fighter Group during World War II, the unit has undergone several re-designations and mission changes.