Cannon to host Open House

Air Commandos at Cannon Air Force Base invite the local community to attend the 27th Special Operations Wing’s second annual Open House on Sept. 24.

This free event will feature Cannon’s specialized airpower capabilities on the Cannon flightline from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Many Air Force and Special Operations aircraft will be on static display, including light tactical airlift aircraft, the remotely-piloted MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper, the MC-130W Dragon Spear, the venerable AC-130H gunship, the CV-22 Osprey and other combat vehicles and equipment employed in worldwide military operations,” said Col. Buck Elton, 27th Special Operations Wing commander.”

“This year’s event will include an aerial review of the 27 SOW’s aircraft, demonstrations from our military working dogs and explosive ordnance disposal teams, and a performance from the Air Force country music ensemble, ‘Wild Blue Country’,” he said.

In 2005 Cannon was recommended for closure by 2009 by the Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission, but a groundswell of community support was rewarded when Air Force Special Operations Command decided to establish a second AFSOC wing at the base.

The 27 SOW became the host unit at Cannon upon its activation on Oct. 1, 2007. The unit is the newest active-duty wing in AFSOC.

The 27 SOW’s primary mission is to plan and execute specialized and contingency operations using advanced aircraft, tactics, and air refueling techniques to infiltrate, exfiltrate, and resupply special operations forces and provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and close air support in support of Special Operations Forces.

Free parking for the Open House will be available at Doc Stewart Park in Chavez West base housing, across from Allsup’s. Guests will pass through security and will be transported to and from the flightline by shuttle. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, so we request that the following items not be brought to the Open House:

• Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, roller skates, etc.

• Alcohol

• Coolers, backpacks, ice-chests, etc.

• Large bags

• Portable furniture

• Glass containers

Authorized government ID card holders and visitors with disabilities should proceed directly to the main gate. On-base parking will be at the BX/Commissary, Bowling Center and Building 600. Handicapped parking will be at Building 173 near the flightline entrance.

It is recommended that base housing residents use the Portales gate when arriving or leaving the base during the Open House.

“We look forward to showcasing Cannon’s capabilities to our local community, friends and families,” said Elton.

For information visit www.cannon.af.mil or contact Public Affairs at 784-4131.