Our History

New Mexico Wing has demonstrated consistent excellence across operations, training, and service, showcased by extraordinary performance during the COVID-19 pandemic, innovative aerospace education initiatives, and sustained mission readiness.

COVID-19 Response:
Beginning in April 2020, New Mexico Wing executed the longest continuous mission since World War II, supporting the New Mexico Department of Health through the transport of COVID-19 test samples and, later, statewide vaccine distribution. Aircrews and ground teams flew and transported thousands of samples from communities across the state, often on short notice, and adapted to weather challenges, aircrew currency requirements, and changing mission needs. New Mexico Wing became the first wing in the nation to fly COVID-19 vaccines, sustaining high-tempo operations until March 2021. Members contributed more than 6.5 work-years to this effort and earned recognition from federal, state, and Air Force partners for their professionalism and mission impact.

Aerospace Education and Glider Simulation:
Building on research from the U.S. Air Force Academy, New Mexico Wing developed and fielded cost-effective glider flight simulators beginning in 2021. These simulators significantly improved student proficiency, reduced aircraft wear, and increased solo rates at glider academies in Kansas, New Mexico, and Washington. Expanded use in 2022 further improved efficiency, reducing required sorties and enhancing safety. The program also became a valuable aerospace education and recruiting tool across the wing.

Counterdrug Operations:
In partnership with Joint Task Force–North, New Mexico Wing has flown nearly 3,000 hours of counterdrug missions since 2016—approximately 25 percent of all wing flight activity. Operating along a 25-mile corridor north of the U.S.–Mexico border, qualified aircrews support Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol, and other federal agencies through scheduled reconnaissance missions. These efforts have assisted in the apprehension of more than 1,200 individuals and the seizure of more than 1,000 pounds of illegal substances. New Mexico Wing earned Southwest Region’s Counterdrug Program of the Year in both 2018 and 2021.

Military Training Route Surveys:
New Mexico Wing continues long-standing support to Cannon and Dyess Air Force Bases by surveying multiple Military Training Routes annually. Aircrews from squadrons across the state provide accurate, timely data to ensure safe, low-level flight operations. Planning is underway to expand surveys to additional routes in coordination with Colorado Wing once environmental requirements are met.