58th Special Operations Wing hosts 19th Air Force command team, spouses

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Dylan Nuckolls
  • Kirtland Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, NEW MEXICO --  

The 19th Air Force command team and their spouses visited the 58th Special Operations Wing here, Feb. 10-12, 2020, to meet the Airmen and families that execute the wing’s mission every day.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Craig Wills, 19th AF commander and Chief Master Sgt. Erik Thompson, 19th AF command chief, engaged Airmen across the wing during an immersion tour that included an instructor all call, mission briefs and innovation discussions.

“The part that makes our team amazing is the Airmen, because you’re all a part of something great,” said Wills. “To you and your families, thank you very much for being here.”

Wills is responsible for the command and control of all formal aircrew flying training missions within Air Education and Training Command.

From the Monster Garage to virtual reality and the world class instructors…the team here is killing it, said Wills.

For the 58th SOW leadership, this three-day visit was all about highlighting the great work the Airmen within the wing are doing every day, according to Col. Justin Hoffman, 58th SOW commander.

“We are privileged to host Maj. Gen. Wills, Chief Master Sgt. Thompson, and their spouses for an immersion into our mission here at Kirtland,” said Hoffman. “It’s important for us to show our senior leaders the professionalism, enthusiasm, and optimism our Airmen have as they train the future generation of Air Commandos, Combat Search and Rescue aviators, and Nuclear Site Support professionals.”

The visit also allowed the 19th AF command team spouses to tour several base facilities and meet the people responsible for helping families stationed at Kirtland.

“Equally important, this visit allows us an opportunity to show why New Mexico is a great place to train for our mission and to highlight the vital support we receive as a tenant from our host wing, the 377th Air Base Wing, and from the local community,” said Hoffman.

The 58th SOW trains Air Force Special Operations, Combat Search and Rescue aircrews and is responsible for the Air Force Survival, Escape, Resistance and Evasion schools.