58th Special Operations Wing, US Air Force

58TH SPECIAL OPERATIONS WING, US AIR FORCE

History: Established as 58 Fighter-Bomber Wing on 25 June 1952. Activated on 10 July 1952. Inactivated on 1 July 1958. Redesignated as 58 Tactical Fighter Training Wing on 22 August 1969. Activated on 15 October 1969. Redesignated as: 58 Tactical Training Wing on 1 April 1977; 58 Fighter Wing on 1 October 1991; 58 Special Operations Wing on 1 April 1994. In 1952 and early 1953, flew interdiction and close air support missions in Korea, but also attacked special strategic targets such as military schools, dams, and port facilities. After the armistice, provided air defense for South Korea. From 15 March 1953 to 8 November 1954, service-tested a “reinforced” wing organization, exercising direct control of the tactical components of the attached wings. Conducted training of US, German Air Force, and other friendly foreign nation aircrew and support personnel. Participated in numerous operations and tactical exercises and operated Luke AFB until April 1977. Managed Tactical Air Command’s Central Instructor School, 1971–1981. In early 1983, began tactical fighter training for US and foreign aircrews in the F–16. Deployed support personnel to Europe to augment United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) units during the war against Iraq in 1991. In the fall of 1991, its primary mission expanded to include tactical training in the F–15E all-weather strike fighter. By 1994, the wing had trained pilots and support personnel from the Netherlands, South Korea, Turkey, Pakistan, the Republic of Singapore, Norway, Greece, Egypt, Indonesia, and Venezuela. In 1994, the wing’s mission changed from the training of USAF and Allied fighter pilots to the training of USAF helicopter air crews. Also trained crews in special operations aircraft, including helicopters and modified C-130s. Performed pararescue training and search and rescue missions. Trained for missile site support and airlift for distinguished visitors. Deployed personnel worldwide for contingency and combat operations. One squadron trained at Fort Rucker, AL, using U.S. Army aircraft. On 11 September 2001, after terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners and crashed three of them into buildings in New York and Washington, the wing airlifted a federal task force to Pennsylvania to investigate the crash site of the fourth airliner. Continued support for contingency operations around the world including Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM since 2001. Performed numerous search and rescue missions within the US.

(Historical - 58th Fighter Group)

(Modern)

Official blazon

58th Fighter Group - Azure, on clouds in base a representation of the Greek mythological godess Artemis with quiver and bow, in her chariot drawn by two deer, all Or. Approved 10 August 1942.

Origin/meaning

The Emblem was approved for the group on 10 August 1942 and for the wing on 18 November 1952; newest rendition approved 8 February 2018.

Literature: 58th Fighter Group from Air Force Combat Units of World War II. Infromation from https://www.afhra.af.mil/