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On 15 March 1976, the squadron was relocated to Kirtland Air Force Base, where it added responsibility for search and rescue missions. [ 1 ] In 1987, the 1550th FTS switched to providing special operations and combat rescue aircrew training, being reequipped with the Lockheed HC-130 search and rescue aircraft, which it operated until 1996.
Its headquarters is located at Kirtland AFB, and the wing is under the command of Col Andrew F. Selph. Supporting the Commander of New Mexico Wing are Lt Col Michael Eckert as Wing Vice Commander, and Lt Col Dennis Hunter as Chief of Staff. The New Mexico Wing operates in the Southwest Region of the CAP.
188th Fighter Squadron F-51H Mustang [c]. 507th Fighter Squadron was redesignated the 188th Fighter Squadron on 24 May 1946, and allotted to the National Guard.It was organized at Kirtland Field, New Mexico and was extended federal recognition on 7 July 1947.
Kirtland Air Force Base is a census-designated place (CDP) covering the residential population of the Kirtland Air Force Base in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. It first appeared as a CDP in the 2020 Census with a population of 3,838.
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.
The crew composition increased from five to eight as the crew acquired a second navigator and two gunners while the loadmaster cross-trained as an illuminator operator. Also, a change in the ratio of crews to airplanes increased total crew requirements from 16 to 24. By 21 November 1968, the crews had formed and were ready.
The 512th Rescue Squadron is part of the 58th Special Operations Wing based at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.It formerly operated the Bell UH-1N Twin Huey and currently operates the Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk and the new HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters training aircrew conducting search and rescue missions.
The 551st was originally designated the 1551st Flying Training Squadron and was assigned to the 1550th Aircrew Training and Test Wing, 1550th Combat Crew Training Wing. In 1994, it was redesignated the 551st Special Operations Squadron, and was reassigned to the 58th Special Operations Wing.