CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The Steadfast Line hosted Air Force Special Operations Command leadership team, here, July 27 to July 29, 2025.
During their visit, U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, AFSOC commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Courtney Freeman, AFSOC command chief, engaged with Air Commandos across the base to reinforce the first Special Operations Forces truth that humans are more important than hardware. They were joined by their spouses, Mrs. Melissa Conley and Mrs. Becky Freeman.
Chief Master Sgt. Freeman spent time with Airmen, first sergeants and senior enlisted leaders across the base. He received a familiarization tour at Sendero, LLC., off-base dormitories and met with the Professional Development Center during his visit. The Professional Development Center offers comprehensive professional enhancement seminars and courses to ensure the deliberate development of Air Commandos. Additionally, Freeman discussed ways he could support Cannon and provided valuable mentorship to leaders.
Both Lt. Gen. Conley and Chief Master Sgt. Freeman took time during their visit to recognize the efforts of several Airmen, coining them for their excellence and answering questions about AFSOC priorities and the importance of the 27th Special Operations Wing’s mission to AFSOC at each stop.
Focusing on quality of life, spouses Melissa and Becky spent time meeting with community partners to hear about medical, educational and economic initiatives in both Curry and Roosevelt counties, as well as local municipalities. They also met with the dorm council, key support liaisons and command team spouses to encourage them to continue working to provide Airmen and families with opportunities to connect and build support systems.
The visit highlighted the key partnership between Cannon leadership and community partners to improve quality of life for Cannon’s Airmen and families. Improvements to housing, medical, and childcare create positive living conditions that directly link to mission effectiveness and retention, enabling AFSOC to meet the needs of both the Air Force and U.S. Special Operations Command.