Cannon hosts honorary commanders’ tour

link U.S. Air Force photo: Senior Airman Ericka Engblom

Honorary commanders interact with children at the Child Development Center during an honorary commander tour Jan. 30 at Cannon Air Force Base. The honorary commanders received a tour of the base in order to strengthen the bond of communication between Cannon and its civilian partners.

27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

The 27th Special Operations Group welcomed several honorary commanders for a tour Jan. 30 featuring many aspects of operations at Cannon Air Force Base.

The 27th Special Operations Wing Honorary Commanders Program serves as a link between local and military leaders, helping to establish military pride and gaining local support from community ambassadors through communication.

The tour began at Cannon’s Unity Park, where honorary commanders were greeted by Col. Heather Buono, 27th Special Operations Mission Support Group commander, and Lt. Col. Anthony Figiera, 27th Special Operations Civil Engineering Squadron commander.

While driving to the Child Development Center for the first portion of the tour, Figiera pointed out several key construction projects currently underway at Cannon and several additional sites that are scheduled to begin construction next fiscal year.

After arriving at the CDC, the honorary commanders walked through the facility and interacted with the staff before moving on to see aspects of the 27th Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron. From there, the tour moved to the flightline where the Forward Area Refueling Point Airmen demonstrated their capabilities and gave a tour of their aircraft, the CV-22 Osprey.

Throughout the rest of the day, the honorary commanders were treated to demonstrations of Cannon’s abilities and assets, including a visit to the Pecos Trail Dining Facility, a show from the military working dogs, and explosive ordnance disposal capabilities, as well as a detailed view of the workings of the 27th Special Operations Security Forces Squadrons’ many different career paths.

Before the day ended, Cannon’s special guests were given the chance to ask questions about the jobs and special abilities they had viewed throughout the tour.