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First aircraft of new squadron arrives at Cannon

  • Published
  • By Staff Release
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Cannon Air Force Base reached another milestone in its transition to its special operations mission Jan. 8 with the arrival of a new aircraft.

The PC-12 was delivered to the 27th Special Operations Wing and will be flown by the 318th Special Operations Squadron when it activates in March.

The aircraft, selected for its versatile performance characteristics and ability to operate from short and unimproved runway surfaces, will provide battlefield mobility for special operations forces in theaters throughout the world except the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Currently, these types of missions are conducted by government contract airlines, which can be more expensive than using military aircraft, said Air Force Special Operations Command officials.

The aircraft that arrived Jan. 8 is the first of three PC-12s scheduled for delivery to the 27th SOW this year.

"We're excited to take the first delivery of this aircraft," said Col. Tim Leahy, 27th SOW commander. "And we're excited to bring a new mission to Cannon Air Force Base."

A total of 10 PC-12s are planned for purchased over the next four years.

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