CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico -- This ceremony initiated the official departure of Maitre and the introduction of Col. Stewart Hammons’ tenure.
Maitre was in charge of the four groups and 24 squadrons that comprise the 27th SOW, which is equipped with 107 specialized aircraft, including the AC-130W Stinger II, C-146 Wolfhound, CV-22 Osprey, MC-130J Commando II, MQ-1 Predator, MQ-9 Reaper, PC-12 and U-28 aircraft. Additionally, the wing sustains a premier installation that supports operations, training and the base's 5,700 Airmen and their families.
Attending Maitre’s change of command ceremony was Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, commander of U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command.
“The 27th SOW, under Col. Maitre, has been about improving Airmen and their families’ lives,” Webb said. “He has set the stage for the excellence that we’re going to see here for the next 50 years, and I think that’s a beautiful way to sum up the experience [Maitre] has had at command. I don’t think he could’ve done a better job. I’m extremely proud of him.”
During the ceremony, Maitre took time to reflect upon his time here.
“I stated before that the communities of Clovis and Portales are the most supportive I’ve seen in my Air Force career,” Maitre said. “I’m humbled and appreciative to have been a part of this wing on this base and in this proud community and to have executed our special operations mission here and all points beyond.”
The 27 SOW executes specialized airpower for operational commanders conducting special operations missions around the world, including direct action, unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, personnel recovery, psychological operations and information operations.