27 SOW activates 27 SOAOS

27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

link U.S. Air Force photo: Senior Airman Whitney Tucker

Col. Buck Elton, 27th Special Operations Wing commander, passes the 27th Special Operations Air Operations Squadron guidon to Lt. Col. Edward Espinoza, making him the first commander of the 27th SOAOS, during a June 27 squadron activation ceremony at Cannon Air Force Base.

The addition of the 27th Special Operations Air Operations Squadron to the 27th Special Operations Wing was marked by a squadron activation ceremony June 27 at Cannon Air Force Base.

Taking command of the newly minted squadron was Lt. Col. Edward Espinoza, who is charged with the responsibility of planning, directing, coordinating and controlling aircraft, personnel and resources at the 27 SOW as well as shouldering responsibility for the wing's global command and control mission.

In response to the 23rd Air Force directive for a successful transition of command and control execution from the 623rd Air Operations Center to special operations wings and groups, Col. Buck Elton, 27 SOW commander, called for the formation of the 27 SOAOS.

When the decision was made to deactivate the headquarters air operations center and push command and control responsibility down to the wing level, the 27 SOW was ready.

"Command and control is an Air Force core function and a special operations core mission," said Elton. "The timing was perfect — we had the right leader, and the right people to build this squadron."

In a gesture deeply rooted in tradition, Elton unfurled, and passed the guidon to Espinoza, whose acceptance signified his assumption of command and a historical moment for Air Commandos of the 27 SOW. Before rendering their first salute to the new commander, members of the 27 SOAOS listened intently to Espinoza's address.

"I have always believed that to whom much is given, much is expected, and much is expected of us," said Espinoza. "Today, we've officially tied ourselves to the heritage and history of AFSOC and United States Special Operations Command — organizations synonymous with high expectations, high risk and high payoff. We've been given an opportunity to do something unique, something worthwhile. I'm counting on all of you to help me successfully carry out our crucial mission."

The wing commander expressed his faith in Espinoza's ability to effectively lead his squadron, bringing credit upon himself, the 27 SOW and the Air Force as a whole.

"We rely on you to provide critical global situational awareness, enable swift and effective orders, streamline communication, manage, protect and develop the training range, and most importantly, to make sure we execute the missions that are tasked to us all," said Elton. "I hope each Airman appreciates the trust, faith and high expectation our nation places upon Colonel Espinoza as we appoint him to command the 27 SOAOS."