Kirtland's 58 SOW joins search for aircraft missing near Pagosa Springs, Colo.

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  • By 377th Air Base Wing
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Kirtland's 58th Special Operations Wing is taking part in a search and rescue operation to locate an aircraft missing near Pagosa Springs, Colo., since Sunday.  In response to a request to augment an ongoing civil search and rescue operation from the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at Tyndall AFB, Fla., the 58 SOW committed an HC-130P Combat King rescue aircraft to the search Tuesday, and an HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopter was actively taking part in the mission at the time of this release.  Another HC-130P is expected to join the operation today.

The 58 SOW trains special operations and personnel recovery aircrews, including search and rescue Airmen, to conduct these activities in support of worldwide operations.  Because of their unique search and rescue capabilities, and the ability to conduct these missions at high altitude, the 58 SOW regularly conducts rescue missions in New Mexico and the region.  Since 1971 the 58 SOW has been credited with saving 240 lives by performing more than 300 search & rescue missions in support of local civil authorities.

For more information, contact Kirtland Public Affairs at (505) 846-5991.