New Classic Association at Kirtland

Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff, has approved a new classic associate unit at Kirtland AFB, N.M., for the flying training mission there with HC/MC-130P, HH-60, and UH-1 aircraft. The change aligns elements of the New Mexico Air National Guard’s 150th Wing with the active duty 58th Special Operations Wing. Under the partnership, the 58th SOW will serve as the host and have primary aircraft responsibility. The Air Guard unit will share in the operations and maintenance of these assets. Guardsmen with the 150th Wing have already started training for this mission, according to the Air Force’s release. In addition, they are preparing for secondary roles in rapid, deployable engineering, power production, and intelligence targeting. “This new association maintains a cadre of qualified flight instructors with long-term continuity and preserves New Mexico Air National Guard manpower to support state emergencies,” states the release.