Spouse Flight Day slated April 15 Published March 30, 2016 By Staff Sgt. Alexx Pons 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The 27th Special Operations Wing has a straight-forward mission: Execute specialized airpower from a premier installation. And what does this mean to you for our Air Commando family? Well, the 27th SOW would like to invite spouses from across the wing to fly on a variety of airframes April 15 to become oriented and familiar with the AFSOC mission – this will all be part of Spouse Flight Day. So what should those unfamiliar with the mission of the 27th SOW expect? It is time for a lesson on how the wing is able to accomplish the seemingly intricate task of executing specialized airpower. As part of Air Force Special Operations Command, Cannon prioritizes execution of its mission into four distinct areas: - Provide combat-ready forces - Create an environment for our Airmen and their families to thrive - Transform training to optimize human performance - Modernize and sustaining the force It is the culmination of these four priorities that helps deliver highly-trained, capable and ready Air Commandos toward the execution of Special Operations Forces… any time, any place. The wing is divided into four groups, 23 squadrons, staff agencies and several tenant units. Along with the various career fields that make the wing diverse, from avionics and logistics to optometry and wing administration, Cannon boasts an array of aircraft that truly get the wing’s mission off the ground. The AC-130W Stinger II, CV-22 Osprey, C-146A Wolfhound, MC-130J Commando II, MQ-9 Reaper, and U-28A help Cannon plan, posture and execute precision strike, specialized mobility and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions with Special Operations Forces. This aides in the direct support of operational commanders conducting special operations missions including direct action, unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, personnel recovery, psychological operations and information operations worldwide. Today’s AFSOC Air Commandos are viewed as an elite group of warriors, consistently pushing the boundaries of air power. These Airmen are driven by their commitment to Air Force values, a hunger for excellence and belief in justice. These quiet professionals protect this nation and all it stands for; rising to every challenge they are confronted with and ensuring mission success. So, ready to embark on a rare opportunity to meet some of these professionals and fly on these incredible aerial platforms? Here are some things to know before the big day: -Medical questionnaires and liability release forms will need to be completed before eligible persons are able to participate in these scheduled orientation flights. -Information packets will be disseminated by various points of contact within each of the groups and squadrons. In addition to the day’s flights, there will be several non-flying orientation operations to demonstrate some of the wing’s other capabilities such as: - Remotely Piloted Aircraft Launch and Recovery operations - Security Forces military working dog demonstrations - And an Air Traffic Control tower tour. For more information, please call the Public Affairs office at 575-784-4131.