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Two new maintenance squadrons activated

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jette Carr
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The 27th Special Operations Maintenance Group underwent significant changes during a squadron activation ceremony at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Jan. 24. The 27th Special Operations Component Maintenance Squadron and the 27th Special Operations Equipment Maintenance Squadron were merged and re-designated the 27th Special Operations Maintenance Squadron. A new squadron, the 727th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, was also activated.

Presiding over the ceremony, Col. Wesley Norris, 27 SOMXG commander, said reorganizing the maintenance squadrons created a narrower focus on similar aircraft, better use of resources and an improved position for future growth and mission changes.

For this transition, Maj. Bernabe Whitfield assumed command of the 27 SOMXS and Maj. Marcus Brazell became commander of the 727 SOAMXS.

Norris spoke about the makeup of the 27 SOMXS. "This merger will combine all intermediate and organizational level maintenance into one squadron that will include over 10 diverse and unique functions," he said. "Based on the outstanding leadership he has shown since his arrival last summer, I am confident that Maj. Whitfield will smartly merge all these functions into one cohesive team to support home station and deployed operations without missing a beat."

Whitfield said he was honored to be commanding the new squadron and outlined his expectations for all members of his team to do their best, respect rank, lead by example, be prepared for any upcoming inspection or operation and remain physically fit to endure any type of duty.

"We will be committed to instill a culture of Airmen with the Air Commando spirit and a big-picture focus, with a call to duty to support the mission with steadfast leadership, expediency, professionalism, teamwork and quality; anytime, anywhere," said Whitfield.

Brazell also gave the Airmen in his new squadron, the 727 SOAMXS, a list of expectations. "First and formost, we are Air Commandos and it is imperative that we do justice to that title," he said. "What you get back is directly proportionate to what you put in; I need you at your absolute best. We have a no-fail mission and that mission requires no-fail people to execute it."

"By virtue of Col. Norris unsheathing our guidon and placing it in my hands, we wrote history," said Brazell to his new Airmen. "My desire going forward is that you partner with me, and together we make history."

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