CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The 27th Special Operation Wing hosted a change of command ceremony, May 24, 2023, at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, presided over the ceremony and transferred the wing’s guidon from U.S. Air Force Col. Terence Taylor to U.S. Air Force Col. Jeremy Bergin, which symbolized the exchange of responsibility.
“Over the last two years, under the leadership of Col. And Mrs. Taylor, the Air Commandos of the 27th SOW whether countering violent extremist organizations, competing in the grey zone, or pathfinding for tomorrow broke down barriers to posture this force for the future,” said Bauernfeind.
After highlighting the efforts of the Taylor’s during their time here Bauernfeind spoke about the wealth of knowledge Bergin will bring to Team Cannon.
“Col. Bergin is a highly experienced Air Commando who understands the challenges of not only what it takes to make an aviator, but what it takes to make a warfighter,” said Bauernfeind.
Taylor has led the Air Commandos at Cannon AFB for the past two years and has instilled the importance of prioritizing the Airmen and encouraging a culture of innovation and empowerment.
“You continue to path-find and break new ground every single day. The Air Force needs your innovative ideas, your viewpoints, your unique experiences. Without those things, we are simply not as strong,” said Taylor. “You make us stronger by boldly leaning in and pushing forward. Keep being who you are, Team Cannon. Keep that ‘AIM’ and keep our airmen at the center of everything that you do.”
The change of command ceremony signifies the formal change of leadership in an organization with the passing of the guidon from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander.
Bergin, the previous Vice Commander of the 14th Flying Training Wing at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss., was accompanied by his spouse Diane and children alongside other family members. The Bergin’s return to Cannon AFB after serving here 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,” said Bergin. “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.”