Honorary commanders tour base

Community leaders from Clovis and Portales witnessed a variety of demonstrations from Air Commandos during an honorary commanders’ tour Nov. 13.

“The idea is to give a taste of what happens at the 27th Special Operations Wing,” said Col. Heather Buono, 27th Special Operations Mission Support Group commander and tour lead. “Our Air Commandos do incredible work every day and this tour allows us to showcase their incredible contributions to this wing and the Air Force Special Operations Command mission.”

The honorary commanders started their tour with a mission brief, where Col. Tony Bauernfeind, 27th Special Operations Wing commander, showed the guests how and why the wing has become a leader in today’s Air Force.

link Airman 1st Class Shelby Kay-Fantozzi: U.S. Air Force photo

U.S. Air Force aircrew members with the 16th Special Operations Squadron describe the unique capabilities of the AC-130H Spectre gunship to honorary commanders Nov. 13 at Cannon Air Force Base. The 27th Special Operations Wing honorary command program is geared toward fostering military pride and local support from a broad group of surrounding community ambassadors.

The brief also described Cannon’s initiatives in support of local communities, including a focus on water conservation efforts and plans to bring additional personnel to the base, effectively increasing revenue in nearby communities.

As they met with Air Commandos fulfilling a wide range of roles in Cannon’s mission, the honorary commanders made a point to express their gratitude to each airman who demonstrated the capabilities of Cannon’s aircraft, people and equipment.

True to the spirit of the day, Air Commandos and commanders alike returned the community leaders’ gratitude.

“I’ve been in the Air Force 24 years and worked at several different bases, and I’ve never seen a community this dedicated to their military installation,” stated Bauernfeind.