CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The 27th Special Operations Civil Engineering Squadron is a diverse and vital unit. Its Air Commandos are responsible for everything from emergency response to the construction and upkeep of essential infrastructure at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico.
By ensuring the base remains fully functional in the face of both routine demands and unexpected challenges, like weather, 27th SOCES helps keep Cannon operational and combat-ready.
Among these professionals are structural specialists, who repair and maintain the foundational elements of the base to support overall mission readiness. They ensure equipment is stored securely and that workspaces remain safe and functional. Trained in metal fabrication, welding, and scaffolding, they also uphold strict environmental standards while performing tasks ranging from quality-of-life improvements to critical disaster recovery efforts.
“We’ve completed a lot of important tasks throughout the years,” said a structural journeyman assigned to the 27th Special Operations Wing. “There was a time when we experienced a severe dust storm that tore the roof off one of the hangars, but we were able to repair it.”
Pavement and construction equipment specialists, colloquially known as DirtBoyz, construct runways, roads and airfields in remote locations, while maintaining existing facilities. They specialize in operating heavy equipment, managing demolition projects and conducting inspections.
“We operate the heaviest machinery in the force, so naturally, when there’s something larger or heavier than most squadrons are not equipped to handle, we’re the go-to operators,” said a pavement and construction equipment specialist assigned to the 27th SOW. “For example, the 3-ton HVAC units that service each building would never get replaced without us.”
While DirtBoyz lay the foundation, engineering specialists contribute the technical expertise needed to design, plan, and guide construction efforts. The engineers use computer-aided drafting and conduct soil testing, site surveys, and reconnaissance to evaluate potential construction sites. They develop and manage Geographic Information System (GIS) modules, inspect construction and maintenance contracts, and turn rough sketches into detailed blueprints.
“Our squadron directly supports Air Commandos at the 27th SOW who execute specialized airpower,” said an engineering specialist assigned to the 27th SOW. “We provide support by ensuring the mission-critical buildings and resources are operational, and we improve training ranges and facilities so Air Commandos can become mission-ready.”
Just as engineering specialists shape the plan, electrical teams bring it to life by ensuring that every building and system receives the power it needs to function seamlessly.
Electrical power production specialists operate high- and low-voltage switches, circuit breakers and other controls, and inspect installed systems. They advise on power generation projects, perform repairs on defective components, interpret maintenance data, and analyze electrical wiring diagrams to diagnose issues.
Electrical systems specialists, by contrast, focus on installing, servicing, modifying, and repairing electrical equipment, systems, and airfield lighting. While power production specialists work on the systems that generate electricity, systems specialists ensure that electricity is safely distributed and used. They troubleshoot malfunctions, identify required repairs, and survey proposed work sites to determine necessary resources.
“We also integrate with power production in the event of a commercial power failure, where we supply electrical conductors and make connections to the generators to supply power to facilities,” said an electrical systems specialist assigned to the 27th SOW. “During a windstorm, there was a base power outage that occurred, and one of our mission-essential buildings lost power – we worked together to provide power to the building.”
Like their counterparts in electrical systems, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) specialists help sustain base functionality. They maintain climate control systems that are essential to mission success—particularly in Cannon’s semi-arid environment, characterized by hot, dry summers and brisk, wind-swept winters. They troubleshoot issues by analyzing construction plans, wiring systems, and schematic drawings, while performing routine maintenance and conducting seasonal overhauls on HVAC/R equipment.
Water and fuel systems maintenance specialists play a critical role in supporting both base personnel and the surrounding community. They oversee plumbing, wastewater collection, liquid fuel storage, fire suppression, and natural gas distribution systems across the base. Ensuring compliance with local, state, federal, and DoD regulations, they monitor system performance and repair, replace, and update components and treatment methods as needed.
“Through regular maintenance and inspections, we can identify potential issues early, which prevents costly repairs and operational downtime,” stated a water and fuel systems maintenance specialist assigned to the 27th SOW. “This includes environmental protection measures that prevent fuel leaks and spills, helping us maintain compliance with regulations while protecting our surrounding communities like Clovis and Portales.”
Civil engineering also provides comprehensive support for customer service, fire protection, EOD, disaster preparedness, war readiness, military housing, and base-wide services like custodial operations and waste management. Each role in the 27th SOCES ensures the base remains fully operational and capable of meeting the demands of unconventional airpower, directly empowering Air Commandos to be mission-ready.