150th Fighter Wing becomes 150th Special Operations Wing

  • Published
  • By New Mexico National Guard Public Affairs
The New Mexico Air National Guard's 150th Fighter Wing was redesignated as the 150th Special Operations Wing Dec. 1, inheriting the new mission of training mission-ready aircrews in special operations and personnel recovery. The historic redesignation of the 150th is in conjunction with a three-year Total Force Integration with the 58th Special Operations Wing located at Kirtland Air Force Base, which began Dec. 20.

The redesignation is a result of a close partnership developed between the 150th FW and 58th SOW that maximizes capabilities between both organizations. The new name of the wing recognizes the current, broader mission of the unit and was driven by the Total Force Integration which aims to enhance efficiencies across missions and operations in the Air Force.

The association between both wings has optimized operations and maintenance of both units by innovatively aligning key elements and taking advantage of the inherent strengths of each organization. In partnership with the 58th SOW, the 150th SOW's prolific capabilities yields a highly skilled labor force, significant regional recruiting potential, statewide community and civil support, cultural diversity and opportunities for economic growth. These benefits provide a winning solution for the Air National Guard, the U.S. Air Force and New Mexico.

In addition to the new mission of training mission-ready aircrews in Special Operations and Personnel Recovery, the 150th SOW will also continue to provide precision targeting and geospatial intelligence to Air Force & joint warfighters, issue heavy repairs in civil engineering to theaters of operations worldwide, and offer broad-spectrum military support services.

This event makes the 150th SOW the second special operations wing to be awarded redesignation and mission in the entire Air National Guard following the 193rd Special Operations Wing located in Middletown, Pa.

For more information, contact the New Mexico National Guard public affairs office at 474-1206 or Capt. Brian Raphael at brian.j.raphael.mil@mail.mil