After weeks of preparation and building anticipation, Air Commandos and families welcomed the Black Label Society United Services Organization tour Jan. 28, for a 27th Special Operations Wing mission immersion tour and concert performance.

The visit started with the band joining Air Commandos for breakfast at the dining facility followed by a static aircraft tour on the flightline. Later they had the opportunity to fly onboard an AC-130W, where they saw firsthand the effort and professionalism required to conduct a training air-to-ground support mission overhead Melrose Air Force Training Range, New Mexico.

“The only thing better than rocking-out at a USO concert on base, is having the opportunity to fly members of the band in our aircraft,” said Maj. Justin Fitzpatrick, 73rd Special Operations Squadron aircraft commander for the flight. “It is always great when these influential members of a community are able to grasp our mission and better convey to those within their own sphere of influence just how combat ready our AFSOC forces are.”

After a post-flight debrief, which included members of the 73rd SOS Aircrew Flight Equipment on hand to help process them, and a lot of hand shaking and picture taking, the band was escorted to the Base Exchange for a meet and greet. Anticipation for the concert rose as dozens of fans obtained autographs and took photos with band members.

  The 27th Special Operations Force Support Squadron, who hosted the visit, transformed an AC-130 hangar into a full-blown concert arena complete with refreshments, bleachers and a heavy metal stage design. This set the perfect tone for members of Team Cannon to cheer as the Black Label Society took the stage; and, that cheering continued throughout the entire USO performance.

Led by front man Zakk Wylde, former guitarist to Ozzy Osbourne, the band played a selection of their greatest hits, as the men and women of Cannon sang along to the famous lyrics and enjoyed soul-shaking guitar solos.

"If you did not go, you missed out on an amazing concert last night," said Tech. Sgt. Ashton Brown, 27th Special Operations Wing Judge Advocate legal office noncommissioned officer in charge. "Aside from the fact that it was Black Label Society, and I am biased because I have enjoyed their music for years, the way they had everything set up was extremely impressive. Food, drinks, bleachers, standing room...the concert provided us an environment where we thrived, you could see it in the way people were absorbing the performance."

"When the command says they aim to take care of us professionally and personally, and give time back to us to help balance our lives, I believe this type of event epitomizes that," she continued. "Creating an environment for our Airmen and families to thrive is not a narrow concept; I truly feel this USO concert was a fresh idea wing leadership had to help us decompress and enjoy something purely recreational with our families and friends."

Between chants of the band’s lyrics and taking pictures of the show, those in attendance could not contain their excitement of having the Black Label Society perform for Cannon.

"The base was able to host an amazing evening for Air Commandos and families, who came out and showcased their spirit and appreciation for the band," said Col. Heather Buono, 27th Special Operations Mission Support Group commander. "The USO team and band management were extremely pleased with the wonderful support they received in setting up the concert, while the band was able to enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at training missions that optimize the performance of our quiet professionals."

"The overarching success will make it easier for our force support team to bring in similar entertainment venues in the future," she continued. "It may not happen every quarter, but we are definitely high on the list now of places to visit again for the USO."

After the final chord rang out into the night and the band exited the stage, Airmen and their families left the hangar radiating with excitement from a memorable night that became a reality thanks to the dedication and hard work of all those involved: the USO team, the men and women of Team Cannon who helped organize the event, and of course, the talented members of the Black Label Society.