58 SOW gains new commander

  • Published
  • By Danny Monahan
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  Col. Vincent Becklund assumed command of the 58th Special Operations Wing during a change of command ceremony July 26.

Becklund previously served as the commander of the Aviation Tactics Evaluation Group, United States Special Operations Command, at Fort Bragg, N.C.

As the AVTEG commander, he planned, coordinated and studied special operations requirements and techniques in direct response to the President and Secretary of Defense.

"I accept this command and I am now responsible for all things 58 SOW," said Becklund. "The 58 SOW has a tremendous mission of training mission-ready aircrews in special operations, personnel recovery, missile site support airlift and distinguished visitor airlift. This is a place where the best train the rest."

As commander of the 58 SOW, Becklund oversees the activities of 2,000 Airmen, administering more than 100 training courses in 29 different crew positions, training 2,300 students annually.

"We will focus on growing and mentoring our Airmen, and continue the 58 SOW tradition as the premier training wing," said Becklund.

Becklund entered the Air Force in 1990 as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. He has served at Kirtland AFB earlier in his career as a student, an instructor and as a safety officer.

He has held leadership positions at Vandenberg AFB, Calif., Hurlburt Field, Fla. and the Pentagon, and has supported operations Joint Endeavor, Desert Thunder, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.