550th Special Operations Squadron

550th Special Operations Squadron
550th Special Operations Squadron Patch
Active	1 April 1971 – present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Special Operations Training
Part of	Air Education and Training Command 19th Air Force 58th Special Operations Wing 58th Operations Group
Decorations	AFOUA

The 550th Special Operations Squadron (550 SOS) "WOLFPACK" is part of the 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. It operates Lockheed HC-130s and MC-130s, conducting special operations flying training.

Mission

To provide United States Special Operations Command and theater commanders the finest special operations and combat search and rescue forces in the world.

History

The 1550th developed, conducted, and monitored helicopter flying training from, 1971–1987, in addition to search and rescue missions from, 1976–1987. It has conducted special operations training since 1987.

Lineage

• 1550th ATTW (Aircrew Training & Test Wing) 1971-
• 1550th Flying Training Squadron (1971–1991)
• 550th Flying Training Squadron (1991–1994)
• 550th Special Operations Squadron (1994 – present)

Assignments

• 1550th Combat Crew Training Wing (1971–1991)
• 542d Flying Training Wing (1991–1994)
• 58th Special Operations Wing (1994 – present)

Bases stationed

• Hill Air Force Base, Utah (1971–1976)
• Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico (1976 – present)

Aircraft Operated

• HH-3E Jolly Green Giant 1971-
• HH-53 1971- Super Jolly Green Giant
• UH-1N 1972-
• TH-1 (1971–1987)
• UH-1 Iroquois (1971–1987)
• HH-43 Huskie (1973–1975)
• HC-130P/N King (1987 – present) Callsign AKELA
• MC-130H Combat Talon II (1994 – present) Callsign OPUS
• MC-130P Combat Shadow (1996 – 2013) Callsign SHADOW/UMBRA

Bibliography

• USAF 550th Special Operations Squadron History
• 550th Special Operations Squadron Fact Sheet