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Looking back at 2008 and ahead to 2009

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Elliott Sprehe
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  As 2008 comes to a close, much has happened throughout  the year to change the face of Cannon Air Force Base since its transition to the western home of Air Force Special Operations Command.

Cannon was visited by Lt. Gen. Donald Wurster, AFSOC commander, as well as Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley, among other distinguished guests.

2008 also marked the arrival of three flying squadrons on base, including the 3rd, 73rd and the 318th Special Operations Squadrons. Flying the MQ-1 Predator, the Airmen of the 3rd SOS moved from Nellis AFB, Nev., to Cannon "while simultaneously providing complete, unwavering support to the Global War on Terror," said Col. Timothy Leahy, 27th Special Operations Wing commander. This helped them garner the 2008 AFSOC Meritorious Unit Award. The 73rd SOS, which flies the MC-130W Combat Spear, and the 318th SOS, which flies various light and medium airlift aircraft, were also awarded AFSOC Accident Free Flying Hour Awards in 2008.

According to Colonel Leahy, one important thing that hasn't changed about Cannon since the transition to AFSOC is its continuing dedication to fighting the Global War on Terror.

"First and foremost the men and women of Cannon have supported the Global War on Terror, from the front lines, each and every day of 2008," he said. "Cannon AFB has averaged more than 200 Airmen deployed, around the globe, for each month of 2008."

Numerous quality-of-life improvements began on base as well this year. They ranged from a newly-constructed skate park, a soon-to-be completed dining facility and a new Airmen's Center, located above the End Zone, that will include thousands of dollars in electronics and furniture upgrades.

The skate park was constructed from several suggestions base leadership  received from Airmen and their families here, and the recently finished Airmen's Center was the result of the suggestions and hard work from the Cannon Junior Enlisted Council.

"In addition to the massive construction efforts to accommodate the base's new mission, I believe it's just as important that we've created a culture here that all at Cannon feel that any suggestions for improvements to the base are heard and acted upon," said Colonel Leahy.

The year ahead looks to bring even more to the base, as an estimated five squadrons expected to either stand up here, or as in the case of the 16th Special Operations Squadron, transfer from Hurlburt Field, Fla.

Also, people at and around Cannon can expect new hangars, flight simulators, and more to be built on base as its Airmen carry on the Air Force's commitment to "Fly, Fight, and Win."

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