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Cannon Air Force Base welcomes new wing commander

  • Published
  • By Capt. Mae-Li Allison
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Cannon Airmen welcomed their new wing commander at a ceremony May 27 at 10:27 a.m. in recognition of the 27th Special Operations Wing.

Col. Stephen A. Clark, previously assigned as the U.S. Special Operations Command support team chief, National Counter Terrorism Center, Washington, D.C., assumed command from Col. Timothy J. Leahy. Colonel Clark will be the 27 SOW's second wing commander since it stood up October 2007.

Air Force Special Operations Command commander and officiating officer Lt. Gen. Donald C. Wurster said those familiar with Cannon will see much has changed and much is in motion since the base's transition from Air Combat Command to AFSOC nearly two years ago -- and Colonel Clark is the right person to continue to build success at Cannon.

"You need to strap in and hold on tight," he said to Colonel and Mrs. Clark. "This engine (Cannon) is running on all cylinders at a high speed. Stephen, you have the right background and experience to lead this wing at this time."

Colonel Clark said he looks forward to continue the course the previous 27 SOW commander set, enabling and empowering Cannon Air Commandos to effectively carry out special operations missions.

"Colonel Leahy has set a course and a standard that I strongly believe in," he said. "It is about our mission; it is about our people; it is about courage and audacity; and it is about integrity. None of that will change during my watch."

In addition, Colonel Clark said he's looking forward to introducing the community to Cannon Airmen and their mission.

"Over the next few years I look forward to introducing them to you and the mission they are so proud of," he said. "I also look forward to working with you to support those same Airmen so that they can deploy into harm's way with the confidence that we are taking care of their loved ones left behind."

Colonel Leahy expressed his confidence in Colonel Clark to lead the wing in its continued buildup and in support of combat operations around the globe.

"Stephen, you have the right background, the right attitude, the right mentality and most importantly, the commando spirit to lead this wing," he said to Colonel Clark. "I know the wing is in good hands with you at the helm and that you will lead it to even greater accomplishments," he said later.

Conversely, he said, the men and women of Cannon and its surrounding communities will be what makes this assignment for Colonel Clark a memorable one.

"You will not find better Airmen in the Air Force and a more supportive community than right here at Cannon Air Force Base," said Colonel Leahy. "It will not always be easy, but I think you are going to love this assignment

Colonel Leahy's next assignment will be special assistant to the U.S. Special Operations Command commander at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.