Overview
The base was slated for closure as part of BRAC 2005, however this was rescinded after political pressure was applied by then Senator Pete Dominici and Governor Bill Richardson. The base has more than 50 years of continuous service. Cannon is the home of the 27th Special Operations Wing, which activated on October 1, 2007.
The 27 SOW has a primary mission to plan and execute specialized and contingency operations using advanced aircraft, tactics and air refueling techniques to infiltrate, exfiltrate and resupply special operations forces worldwide and provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and close air support in support of SOF operations.
A variety of special operations aircraft are stationed at Cannon, including the MC-130W Combat Spear, AC-130H Spectre, MQ-1 Predator, MQ-9 Reaper, CV-22 Osprey and several versions of light and medium transport aviation aircraft.
MC-130Ws are assigned to the 73rd Special Operations Squadron, with all twelve becoming operational in 2010. Initially nicknamed the "Whiskey" (NATO phonetic for the "W" modifier), the MC-130W was officially dubbed the Combat Spear in May 2007 to honor the historical legacy of the Combat Talons in Vietnam.
Read more about this topic: Cannon Air Force Base