58 SOW commander discusses priorities

  • Published
  • By Danny Monahan
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  Since taking over the 58th Special Operations Wing in July, its commander has had time to develop his priorities.

Col. Vincent Becklund said he wants to make the 58 SOW the best aviation school in the Department of Defense, make every Airman a warrior and remind all Airmen about the importance of deployments.

"I want to make this the premier and recognized specialized aviation schoolhouse in the DOD," said Becklund.

The 58th SOW trains mission-ready aircrews in special operations, personnel recovery, nuclear security and support and distinguished visitor airlift.

"All these are unique missions when it comes to aviation in the Air Force and this is the place "where the best ... train the rest.'"

To achieve his goal of making the 58 SOW the premier schoolhouse, Becklund said he believes in producing warriors, caring for Airmen and their families, and sustaining aviation capabilities.

"A warrior is more than someone carrying a weapon or flying an aircraft," said Becklund. "Being a warrior is a mentality. It's about motivation, knowing your job and upholding Air Force standards. When people walk into this organization, I want them to embrace a warrior's mentality immediately. When they do this, they become part of our family and our responsibility. They should expect the 58 SOW to take care of them and their families. Whether it's for a deployment down range or ensuring their awards and decorations are in order, the 58 SOW has to take care of them. By producing warriors and taking care of them, we will be better suited to sustain our nation's specialized aviation capabilities. We need to produce the next generation of Airmen so we can push them out to operational units and answer our nation's call."

Becklund said he strongly believes Airmen should never be caught off guard by deployment orders when their nation calls.

"Deployments are not going away. Everyone needs to know their job is down range. Deployments are not always dependent upon an air expeditionary cycle. You have to be ready at all times to go down range."

For Airmen to have successful careers, Becklund said toughness, professionalism and esprit de corps are essential.

"You have to have mental and physical toughness to sit in an aircraft for hours, work on a hot flight-line all day, or work 12-hour shifts day after day. We have the best-trained Airmen in the world, but we are working in extremely rugged conditions, so you have to be tough. Being a professional means upholding standards. Everything we do throughout the DOD is standards-based. Nothing less would be expected from any great military organization. When an Airman comes to work each day, it is his responsibility to encourage esprit de corps within his organization. Deep commitment to one's organization is essential."

This is Becklund's third assignment at Kirtland AFB since 1991.

"We're excited to be back here," said Becklund. "We love everything about the area. It's a pleasure to back and lead the best Airmen in the Air Force."