KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Current and former members of the CV-22 Osprey community gathered to commemorate 20 years of CV-22 aircrew training, recognizing the Airmen who forged and sustained the mission, and reconnecting generations of personnel from around the world, including senior Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) leaders, Sept 10-11, here.
Kirtland’s role in the program dates back to 1996, when Air Education and Training Command selected the 58th Special Operations Wing to lead CV-22 training because of its established special operations and personnel recovery aircrew training mission. The first operational CV-22 arrived at Kirtland in 2006, followed by the start of dedicated training with the 71st Special Operations Squadron later that year.
“The event commemorated the 20th anniversary of the arrival of the CV-22 to the 58th SOW, and the start of CV-22 training that same year,” said Christopher McCune, 58th SOW historian. “Its significance lies in the establishment of the Air Force’s first tilt-rotor training schoolhouse in 2006, and the integration of the aircraft into the Air Force’s fleet.”
Since then, the 71st SOS has graduated more than 875 students, building generations of CV-22 aircrew for the special operations mission. McCune said Kirtland’s location has also played an important role in preparing those crews.
“The base’s location in the desert Southwest has been particularly advantageous in preparing CV-22 crews for the challenges inherent to conducting missions in austere environments,” McCune said.
The anniversary began Sept. 10 with an aerial demonstration conducted by the 71st SOS featuring CV-22 flight and hoist operations. The following day, participants honored fallen members of the community during a 5K memorial ruck march before gathering for a 71st SOS open house, where guests toured aircraft, visited simulators,
competed in a rope-pull competition and gathered for a community photo. Later, attendees visited the Innovation Lab to see technology supporting the mission before closing the celebration at the Mountain View Club with a heritage dinner, awards and remarks, and an opportunity for generations of CV-22 Airmen to share stories and reconnect.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen Michael Conley, AFSOC commander, addressed the enterprise and those in attendance to honor the twenty-year anniversary.
“This community has built a culture of innovation, toughness, and teamwork,” said Conley. “The aircraft is extraordinary—but the aircraft is not the capability. You are.”
Conley said the program must continue evolving as operational demands change.
“The founders of this community gave us an incredible start,” said Conley. “Our responsibility is to hand the next generation something even better: a more capable force, a stronger culture, and a community that is ready for whatever comes next.”
Twenty years after CV-22 training began at Kirtland, the anniversary gave those who helped build the program a chance to return, reconnect and see the next generation preparing to carry the mission forward.
“We look ahead with confidence,” said Conley. “The future belongs to the Airmen in this room—the people who will keep improving, adapting, and finding a way to deliver when the Nation calls.”