[3] On 15 March 1976, the squadron was relocated to Kirtland Air Force Base, where it added responsibility for search and rescue missions.

From 11 to 24 July, it conducted night low level and airdrop recovery training with Navy SEALs from Naval Air Station North Island in exercise Chile Flag 94-04.

[7] Between 13 and 17 March 1995, one of the squadron's Combat Talon IIs participated in experimental airdrops at Yuma Proving Ground testing two experimental air-drop systems for the Department of the Army's Early Entry and Lethality Battle Laboratories and the Air Force Air Mobility Warfare Center.

[8] In the summer and fall, 550th SOS Combat Talon II instructors flew with the 7th Special Operations Squadron to gain European theatre experience for training new aircrew.

[10] In March and April 1997, Combat Talon IIs from the squadron participated in bilateral joint exercises with Air Force Special Operations Command.

[14] The 550th SOS graduated an average of 200 students a year for special operations and combat search and rescue.