550th Special Operations Squadron

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 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

 * TH-1 (1971–1987)
 * UH-1 Iroquois (1971–1987)
 * HH-43 Huskie (1973–1975)
 * HC-130 King Bird (1987 – present) Callsign AKELA
 * MC-130H Combat Talon II (1994 – present) Callsign OPUS
 * MC-130P Combat Shadow (1996 – present) Callsign SHADOW