Hoffman takes guidon at 58 SOW

  • Published
  • By Jessie Perkins
  • Kirtland Public Affairs

The 58th Special Operations Wing has a new commander.

 

Col. Justin Hoffman took the 58th guidon from Col. Brenda Cartier in a ceremony here July 13. Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Doherty, commander of the 19th Air Force at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, officiated.

 

Hoffman comes to Kirtland from Cannon Air Force Base where he served as the 27th Special Operations Group Commander. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Naval Postgraduate School and Army War College. As a command pilot he has earned mission qualifications in seven aircraft types. He has served in multiple worldwide combat and contingency operations and is a veteran of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

 

The new commander honored the proud heritage of the 58th SOW and its connection with Air Force combat search and rescue aviators. He stated that he looked forward to following in the footsteps of Cartier.

 

“I look forward to the task, I am humbled, honored and excited to serve alongside you,” Hoffman said. “Keep doing what you’re doing, you’re doing an excellent job and all standing orders and policies remain.”

 

Cartier arrived at Kirtland in June of 2016 to lead the 58th SOW. During her time at Kirtland, she oversaw the graduation of more than 40,000 students in her two-year assignment. Upon her arrival, there was a large backlog of students that was rapidly cut by 50 percent. The unit was awarded multiple accolades under her command to include the 2017 Innovation Challenge.

 

“Today the most exciting thing for me is the future and your future, this wing builds the future of the Air Force. And your new wing commander will greet you with new opportunity and a new level of excellence,” she told the large crowd of special guests and attendees.  

 

Cartier will be transitioning to Hurlburt Air Force Base, Fla., to Headquarters Air Force Special Operations Command.