CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Air Commandos from the 318th Special Operations Squadron, their families and distinguished members of Team Cannon welcomed the last PC-12 non-standard aviation mission home Sept. 26, 2014.
As the 318 SOS is adjusting from an NSAV mission to an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance mission, an important chapter of Air Force Special Operations Command is coming to a close.
A transition of this magnitude had the potential to cause disconnect within the squadron, but Maj. Jared Lilje, 318 SOS assistant operations officer, remains optimistic.
“These guys can adapt and overcome to anything that’s thrown their way,” Lilje said. “They always come out on top.”
Since its induction to AFSOC in October 2009, the NSAV mission prides itself on being able to deliver special operations airlift support anytime, anywhere, and fills a void in AFOSC operations by providing rapid, agile transport of Special Operations Forces to theaters on five continents. The PC-12 is a light, single-engine turboprop aircraft capable of expediently transporting personnel across broad theaters.
While this piece of AFSOC history is coming to an end, the men and women of the 318 SOS and their families remain motived and confident that what lies ahead will only bring greater accomplishments for not only the AFSOC mission, but for the Air Force as a whole.
“I couldn’t be more proud,” stated Lilje. “This has been the best assignment and the best squadron in my 23 years of service. Working this mission has been excruciatingly satisfying and I look forward to what comes next for the 318th.”