Paul Myers

58th Special Operations Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 58th Special Operations Wing is a unit of the United States Air Force based at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico. It is responsible for conducting special operations missions around the world, including personnel recovery, psychological operations, and air support for special operations forces. The wing consists of several squadrons specializing in different aspects of special operations, such as the 58th Special Operations Group and the 58th Special Operations Wing. The 58th Special Operations Wing plays a vital role in supporting US national security objectives and has a long history of successful special operations missions.

The 62nd Fighter Squadron, known as the "Spikes," was activated in 1941 and saw distinguished service during World War II, flying P-47 Thunderbolts in the European Theater. The squadron participated in critical missions, including bomber escort, ground attack, and air superiority roles, contributing to the Allied victory. After the war, the 62nd has been inactivated and reactivated several times, adapting to new aircraft and missions during the Cold War and beyond. Today, stationed at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, the squadron serves as a premier training unit for F-35A Lightning II pilots, continuing its legacy of excellence.

The 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (62nd AMXS) is a vital unit within the United States Air Force, currently assigned to the 62nd Airlift Wing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Established to provide comprehensive maintenance support for the wing's C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, the squadron ensures mission readiness and global mobility capabilities. Over the years, the 62nd AMXS has played a crucial role in supporting rapid deployment and humanitarian missions worldwide, including operations in the Middle East, disaster relief efforts, and strategic airlift missions. Through its dedication to excellence in aircraft maintenance, the squadron has earned multiple accolades and remains an essential component of the Air Force's global reach.