550th Special Operations Squadron

Updated on Dec 08, 2024

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Active 1 April 1971 – present Decorations AFOUA		Country United States

Branch United States Air Force Type Special Operations Training Part of Air Education and Training Command19th Air Force58th Special Operations Wing58th Operations Group

The 550th Special Operations Squadron (550 SOS) "WOLFPACK" is part of the 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. It operates Lockheed HC-130s and MC-130s, conducting special operations flying training.

Mission

To provide United States Special Operations Command and theater commanders the finest special operations and combat search and rescue forces in the world.

History

The 1550th developed, conducted, and monitored helicopter flying training from, 1971–1987, in addition to search and rescue missions from, 1976–1987. It has conducted special operations training since 1987.

Lineage

1550th ATTW (Aircrew Training & Test Wing) 1971-

1550th Flying Training Squadron (1971–1991)

550th Flying Training Squadron (1991–1994)

550th Special Operations Squadron (1994 – present)

Assignments

1550th Combat Crew Training Wing (1971–1991)

542d Flying Training Wing (1991–1994)

58th Special Operations Wing (1994 – present)

Bases stationed

Hill Air Force Base, Utah (1971–1976)

Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico (1976 – present)

HH-3E Jolly Green Giant 1971-

HH-53 1971- Super Jolly Green Giant

UH-1N 1972-

TH-1 (1971–1987)

UH-1 Iroquois (1971–1987)

HH-43 Huskie (1973–1975)

HC-130P/N King (1987 – present) Callsign AKELA

MC-130H Combat Talon II (1994 – present) Callsign OPUS

MC-130P Combat Shadow (1996 – 2013) Callsign SHADOW/UMBRA

References

550th Special Operations Squadron Wikipedia

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