Command of special operations wing changes hands

  • Published
  • By Sheila Rupp
  • Nucleus
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, NEW MEXICO --  Col. Eugene Haase assumed command of the 58th Special Operations Wing in a ceremony held here Tuesday.

Colonel Haase has served as the vice wing commander of the 58th SOW since May 2006. He assumed command from Col. Thomas J. Trask who had served as the commander since May 2005. Colonel Trask has been selected to be the commandant of the Squadron Officer College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.

"It is an honor to assume command of the 58th Special Operations Wing. In my eight months, here I have witnessed the wonderful things that the men and women of Team Kirtland do every day. As commander, I look forward to helping carry on the fine traditions of the 58th SOW," Colonel Haase said.

Colonel Haase has 23 years of service with the Air Force, serving as a pilot, squadron commander, group commander, and has also been on the staff of a major command and unified command. He received his commission through ROTC at the University of Minnesota where he studied aerospace engineering and mechanics. Colonel Haase is a command pilot with more than 3,200 flying hours in the UH-1, MH-60G, HH-60G, MH-53, HC/MC-130P, MC-130H, C-130E and CV-22.

Colonel Trask has more than 22 years of service, earning his commission through ROTC at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Ariz. Colonel Trask is a command pilot with more than 3,000 hours. He has participated in 51 combat missions in Panama, Iraq, Bosnia and Kosovo. He has been flying the MH-53J for 19 years and recently ferried the first Pave Low to retire to its resting place at the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. He said he will look back on his time here warmly.

"I want to pass on my appreciation to Team Kirtland. It has been my honor to serve here for the past 20 months. I am proud of the work done here and my family and I will look back at our time here fondly," Colonel Trask said.

The wing is responsible for training mission-ready special operations, combat search and rescue, missile site support and UH-1 Distinguished Visitor airlift crews directly supporting Air Expeditionary Forces for the world's best aerospace force. The 58th SOW trains more than 2,200 students annually and maintains more than 78 assigned aircraft. Since 1976, the wing has completed more than 239 missions participating in worldwide contingencies, humanitarian missions and search and rescue efforts.

Meet the 58th SOW's new boss
Hometown:
Two Rivers, Wis.

College attended:
University of Minnesota

Aircraft flown:
Helicopters and a few fixed-wing

Favorite food:
Steak, potatoes and salad

Favorite sport:
Football

Favorite pro team:
Green Bay Packers

Off-duty activities:
Fly-fishing, working out and family time

Hero:
Bobby Orr - defenseman for the Boston Bruins

Most memorable Air Force moment:
My first flight in a helicopter - the start of my dream come true.

Leadership philosophy:
1. Give them responsibility
2. Let them know you care
3. Provide enough guidance that they steer in the right direction