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27 SOG hosts honorary commanders

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Whitney Tucker
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The 27th Special Operations Group welcomed several honorary commanders into the Air Force Special Operations Command fold for an extensive tour featuring mission familiarization, operations demonstrations, and a collaborative field training experience Aug. 29 at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M.

The 27th Special Operations Wing Honorary Commander Program serves as a critical link between local and military leaders, fostering military pride and garnering local support from a broad group of community ambassadors by enabling an open flow of communication.

Honorary commanders arrived at Cannon's Visitor Center bright and early, where they were received by Col. Sean Farrell, 27 SOG commander, Rick Masters, 27 SOW director of staff, and several other prominent members of Team Cannon before boarding a surrey and making their way to the 522nd Special Operations Squadron for the first leg of their tour.

Upon their arrival, guests received a tour of the squadron courtesy of Lt. Col. John Buchanan, 522 SOS commander, and learned of the mission-essential role 522 SOS members play as they endeavor to provide rapid global response support to Air Force, joint and coalition special operations forces by conducting air refueling of vertical lift assets and infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces.

Following the briefing, the assembly set out for Melrose Air Force Range, N.M., where they were afforded a rare glimpse into the inner workings of Cannon's Opposing Forces Program, whose sole purpose is to enhance combat readiness and training capabilities for AFSOC Airmen.

Before their time at the range came to a close, honorary commanders were able to gain insight into the many capabilities and facets of the Dornier Do-328, an asset essential to the 524th Special Operations Squadron's non-standard aviation mission.

Arguably the most thrilling aspect of the tour, distinguished guests had the opportunity to observe the AC-130W Stinger II, which provides armed over-watch and reconnaissance, conduct live fire training before dusting off their boots and heading back to base.