Cannon welcomes new wing commander

The 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon Air Force Base welcomed a new wing commander Wednesday morning at the change of command ceremony.

The wing's guidon (military flag) was transferred from U.S. Air Force Col. Terence Taylor to U.S. Air Force Col. Jeremy Bergin, symbolizing the exchange of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, presided over the ceremony and thanked Taylor for his last two years of leadership.

"Here at Cannon Air Force Base under Col. Terence Taylor's and Mrs. Maria Taylor's leadership, the last two years have been game changing," Bauernfeind said. "Three operational squadrons were activated. Increasing the combat capability and the rich heritage of the wing."

Bauernfeind then spoke of how they welcomed the new AC-130J Ghostrider and how Taylor "leaned into pathfinding for tomorrow."

"Over the last two years, Col. Taylor and the team have racked up over 100,000 flight hours both in training and in combat operations," Bauernfeind said.

Taylor also brought in over $720,000 to fund ideas for "continuous improvement," according to Bauernfeind.

"Keep being who you are, Team Cannon. Keep that 'AIM' and keep our airmen at the center of everything that you do," Taylor said. "This has been the most rewarding and the most demanding experience of my career, and I would do it again in a heartbeat."

Taylor then received his final salute as the commander of the 27th Special Operations Wing.

Changes of command happen every two years following the completion of the commander's tour.

Bauernfeind welcomed Bergin and his wife, Diane, and son, Luke, back to Cannon AFB.

Bergin was previously the vice commander of the 14th Flying Training Wing at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi.

The Bergins return after serving from 2015 until 2018 as the commander of the 20th Special Operations Squadron.

"I am proud of what you have done and what you will do, but equally impressed by your outstanding professionalism and innovative spirit," Bergin said.

"The legacy and the heritage entrusted to us as air commandos underpins our culture, yet you and your families are truly what makes this the best Air Force in the world. I am deeply humbled to serve at your side. However, there's work to do, so let's get to it."