Wing commander reports on Cannon’s transformation

The thunderous roar of fighter aircraft overhead is a significant part of Cannon’s history. But since the base’s transition to Air Force Special Operations Command on Oct. 1, 2007, we now play a much different but equally important role defending America.

As “quiet professionals,” we train and deploy in small numbers and few people will notice our absence.

I feel privileged to be the first 27th Special Operations Wing commander. I have the unique opportunity to make this base into one that fully supports and enhances our Special Operations mission.

For example, existing buildings are currently being modified to accommodate certain aircraft and their headquarters and maintenance facilities.

Two recent projects are a $13.2 million fuel-loading and storage facility and an Airman’s Center, which will house a dining facility and meeting rooms.

We currently have the MC-130W Combat Spear and PC-12 aircraft stationed at Cannon and expect to have mission-ready squadrons of the MQ-1 Predator, MQ-9 Reaper, AC-130H Spectre, CV-22 Osprey, and several additional non-standard aviation aircraft within the next two years.

However, the mission isn’t just about our facilities, equipment and aircraft. It’s about our people.

One important motto of Special Operations and one of the four Special Operations Forces truths is, “Humans are more important than hardware.”

In line with this motto, we’re doing our best to improve the quality of life for our airmen and their families.

The End Zone now has Wi-Fi available; we are working a plan to provide wireless network access to all dormitory residents; and within weeks, we will have a Starbucks on base.

As mentioned earlier, the new Airman’s Center is currently under construction, and out-of-date military housing has been torn down to make way for future projects.

A 96-bed dormitory is on the horizon with others to follow, and housing privatization plans will provide airmen and their families comfortable new living spaces, most of which will have three and four bedrooms.

Finally, we are seeking exclusive jurisdiction of our Chavez housing, which will allow us to fence the area and establish an entry control point for access to enhance security for our family members living outside the main gate.

The 27th Special Operations Services Squadron provides an array of recreational opportunities for base personnel of all ages.

One example of a Services-run operation is our base’s collocated club, The Landing, which offers dining opportunities that extend to the weekends.

In addition to a Sunday brunch and an “all-nighter” party offered once a month, the club opens its doors the first Friday of every month so airmen, their families, and downtown community members can meet each other over an evening meal.

An important aspect of Cannon that we hope to continue from its “ACC days” is its good relationship with the community. Clovis and Portales are primarily where many of our airmen and their families live, work, and play.

From hosting “Cannon Appreciation Day” for our airmen to inviting us to participate in community events, our local communities are key factors in improving our quality of life.

We engage in many levels of meetings and activities to communicate with community members what to expect as Cannon fully engages in the AFSOC mission and how the base is expected to grow in the years ahead.

The communication channels we have with the communities surrounding Cannon are second to none.

The environment here is a mutual working agreement where we see ourselves as part of the local community and they see themselves as integral to Cannon’s success as an AFSOC base.

Lastly, if I were to give my opinion of the first eight months since the base’s transition to AFSOC, I’d have to say the transition has gone very well.

The drawdown of the F-16 units is complete and we have begun the process of building the 27 SOW elements.

The base has probably seen the lowest number of personnel and aircraft since the AFSOC transition, and we should see growth from here on out.

I encourage all airmen and civilian base personnel to recognize they have a significant role in making Cannon the premier AFSOC base, and the decisions we make now about infrastructure and personnel are going to have a significant impact for those moving here for years to come. We can be proud of our accomplishments so far!

Col. Timothy Leahy is commander of the 27th Special Operations Wing.