Search News

Cannon News

12AF commander addresses 27FW status, BRAC concerns

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. James Nichols
  • 27th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  “The 27th Fighter Wing is doing great and they’re not finished. I want to make sure that I reassure everyone that until it’s over, it’s not over,” said Lt. Gen. Mark Schmidt, 12th Air Force commander during his visit Wednesday. 

Gen. Schmidt was on location for an official base visit, which he stated, gives him the opportunity to see members of the community, base leadership and visit Cannon Airmen, to show his appreciation for what they do and to give them recognition. In an interview Wednesday, he addressed concerns resulting from decisions made by the Base Realignment and Closure commission. 

“Its not over, whether it’s enclave status or it’s the home of the 27th Fighter Wing or home of anything else, I have high expectations and hopes for this great community and this great base,” said Gen. Schmidt. 

“Cannon is on enclave status right now, meaning that the United States Air Force is working hard to find a mission for Cannon Air Force Base. The 27th Fighter Wing is already part of a larger plan to go out and fix the fighter situation within the Air Force and Air National Guard.” 

The 27th Fighter Wing is already part of a larger plan to go out and fix the fighter situation within the Air Force and Air National Guard.” 

“I know that there is angst ...on what this enclave thing means, and what will resolve. I think it’s going to be good—I’m hopeful it is.” 

Gen. Schmidt also took time during his visit to show appreciation to, and recognize the efforts of, Cannon Airmen, saying he has been extremely impressed with the work accomplished at the wing. 

“I’m patting backs that have been patted so hard and so often in the last few months, that it has been crazy…I’m so excited about being here.” 

He praised Cannon for it’s accomplishments during the recent Unit Compliance Inspection, Environmental Safety and Occupational Health Capability Assessment and Management Team Audit and Installation Excellence Selection Board visit, saying that members of those organizations left Cannon phenomenally impressed. 

Gen. Schmidt continued on by setting and asserting the focus for 12th AF and the 27th FW in fiscal year 2006 with three simple words. 

“It’s about readiness,” the general said. 

He went on to say that the 27th FW and 12th AF must be combat ready and prepared to react to any challenge, aptly applying our recourses to accomplish the mission.
“In the end it really is about the effective application of combat air and space power, that’s the point end of the sword…that’s the generation of these aircraft.” 

He emphasized other issues such as effective command and control as we apply weapons against an enemy. 

“It’s a result of taking care of Airmen, being ready to deploy, and fighting and winning. That’s what [we] do,” the general said. 

Gen. Schmidt directly correlated the wing’s ability to support the overall Air Force mission with the support that the surrounding communities offer Cannon. 

In his parting comments Gen. Schmidt left a few encouraging words for the Cannon community. 

“We value what they do, we absolutely understand their concerns, and I thank them for everything they do everyday,” he said. 

“I would wager that 95 percent of the people at Cannon aren’t from Clovis or Portales. They came from somewhere else, however when they stay here, they work here; they are a part of this wing and part of this community. When they deploy, and they’re going to Iraq and Afghanistan, and Korea or wherever they go, their last look at what a community is and what is worth fighting for is this community. This community is worth fighting for.”

Press Releases