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First aircraft arrives for new Cannon squadron

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Courtesy Photo A PC-12 Pilatus parks on Cannon's flightline Jan. 8 and is the first of a planned 10 aircraft to be assigned to the 318th Special Operations Squadron over the next four years. The 318 SOS, when fully active, will have approximately 90 Airmen assigned to

27th Special Operations Wing

Cannon Air Force Base reached another milestone Jan. 8 in its transition to its special operations mission with the arrival of a new aircraft.

The PC-12 was delivered to the 27th Special Operations Wing and will be flown by the 318th Special Operations Squadron when it activates in March.

The aircraft, selected for its versatile performance characteristics and ability to operate from short and unimproved runway surfaces, will provide battlefield mobility for special operations forces in theaters throughout the world except the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Currently, these types of missions are conducted by government contract airlines, which can be more expensive than using military aircraft, said Air Force Special Operations Command officials.

The aircraft that arrived Jan. 8 is the first of three PC-12s scheduled for delivery to the 27th SOW this year.

“We're excited to take the first delivery of this aircraft,” said Col. Tim Leahy, 27th SOW commander. “And we're excited to bring a new mission to Cannon Air Force Base.”

A total of 10 PC-12s are planned for purchased over the next four years.

 

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