58th SOW gains new commander

  • Published
  • By Marie Vanover
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Kirtland Air Force Base, NM --  In a July 15 change-of-command ceremony, Col. James L. Cardoso assumed command of the 58th Special Operations Wing from Col. Eric A. Kivi. The presiding official was Maj. Gen. Gregory A. Feest, 19th Air Force commander.

About 300 people, including commanders and Airmen from across Team Kirtland, family members, community leaders and friends attended the ceremony.

General Feest welcomed everyone to the ceremony and spoke about the outstanding performance of the 58 SOW under the leadership of Colonel Kivi, which included being recognized with the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the Lieutenant General Leo Marquez Award, and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Team Excellence Award.

Colonel Kivi said, "It was an honor and privilege to serve as your commander. I could not have done my job without the support of so many people. The credit for my success goes to the Airmen of the 58 SOW."

Colonel Cardoso acknowledged the special guests at the ceremony and said the wing will continue to produce the finest combat aviators in the world. Now in his third assignment to Kirtland, he said, "the support we receive from the community is second to none." He closed by telling the men and women of the 58 SOW that he is ready to provide the leadership and commitment to excellence they deserve.

Colonel Cardoso is a 1988 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. He has spent the majority of his career in special operations aviation and staff assignments and commanded a squadron, group, and expeditionary wing. He is a command pilot with more than 3,600 hours, including combat missions in Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia and Albania. Before his arrival at Kirtland, Colonel Cardoso served as vice commander of the 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon AFB, N.M.