| Unit Name: | 551st Special Operations Squadron |
| Dates: | 1971–2007; 2009–present |
| Role: | Special Operations Training |
| Size: | 92 active duty personnel and 66 civilian contractors |
| Command Structure: | Air Force Special Operations Command |
| Garrison: | Cannon Air Force Base |
| Motto: | The Best Teach the Rest |
| Mascot: | Owl |
| Decorations: | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award[1] |
| Commander1 Label: | Commander |
| Identification Symbol Label: | 551st Special Operations Squadron emblem (approved 9 October 1992) |
| Identification Symbol 2 Label: | 1551st Flying Training Squadron emblem (approved 9 October 1986) |
The 551st Special Operations Squadron is a current Special Operations Squadron of the United States Air Force, assigned to the Air Force Special Operations Air Warfare Center until 2017 and then assigned to the 492nd Special Operations Wing. It was based out of Cannon AFB, New Mexico. The 551st had previously been based at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico as an Air Education and Training Command (AETC) unit within the 58th Special Operations Wing from 15 March 1976 until its inactivation on 10 May 2007.[2]
The squadron was reactivated in 2009 and assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) to train aircrews on the MC-130 and AC-130. It was inactivated again on 15 Jun 2021.[3] [4]
The 551st was originally designated the 1551st Flying Training Squadron and was assigned to the 1550th Aircrew Training and Test Wing, 1550th Combat Crew Training Wing. In 1994, it was redesignated the 551st Special Operations Squadron, and was reassigned to the 58th Special Operations Wing.
The 551st conducted helicopter training until it was inactivated in 2007. It is also responsible for special operations contingencies, exercises, and humanitarian rescue missions. The Squadron conducted training on the Pave Low helicopter but suspended these operations due to the looming retirement of the helicopter.[5]