58th Special Operations Wing change of command
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. -- Col. Vincent Becklund will assume command of the 58th Special Operations Wing during a change of command ceremony here at 10 a.m. Thursday, 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.
As commander of the 58 SOW, Becklund will oversee the activities of 2,000 Airmen, administering more than 100 training courses in 29 different crew positions, training 2,300 students annually. The 58 SOW trains mission-ready aircrews in special operations, personnel recovery and missile site support airlift.
Becklund entered the Air Force in 1990 as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. 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.
After two years as the 58 SOW commander, Col. James Cardoso is moving to United States Special Operations Command at MacDill AFB, Fla.
Note: Media interested in covering the event should call the Public Affairs office at 846-5991.