Cannon Air Force Base, situated in the high plains of eastern New Mexico near Clovis, stands as a pivotal installation for the United States Air Force. Home to the 27th Special Operations Wing and its subordinate units like the 27th Special Operations Group, Cannon AFB plays a critical role in global special operations missions. As an Air Force component of the U.S. Special Operations Command, the base is সর্বদা prepared to deploy highly trained personnel and advanced aircraft across the globe.
The 27th Special Operations Group (SOG) at Cannon Air Force Base is the action arm of the 27th SOW. This elite group is tasked with a diverse range of complex missions, including infiltration and exfiltration of personnel, providing crucial combat support, executing tilt-rotor operations with aircraft like the CV-22 Osprey, and conducting helicopter aerial refueling. Furthermore, the 27 SOG is adept at close air support for ground forces, operating unmanned aerial vehicles for intelligence and reconnaissance, and undertaking non-standard aviation tasks in challenging environments. The group oversees the readiness, training, and strategic planning for all operational and support squadrons stationed at Cannon, ensuring they are prepared for any contingency.
The history of the 27th Special Operations Group is deeply rooted in military aviation history, beginning as the 27th Bombardment Group in 1940. In the early days of World War II, elements of the 27th BG were deployed to the Philippines and bravely fought against the Japanese invasion in 1941. Despite their valiant efforts, the Philippines fell, and many members of the 27th BG endured the horrific Bataan Death March in 1942 as prisoners of war. The 27th designation has been carried by various units across different locations over the decades, reflecting its enduring legacy within the Air Force. In 1958, the Air Force strategically moved the 27th designation to Cannon Air Force Base, replacing the 312th Wing and cementing its heritage.
Cannon Air Force Base has been a dynamic base, hosting a variety of aircraft throughout its history, including F-100 Super Sabres, T/AT-33 Shooting Stars, F-111 Aardvarks, and F-16 Fighting Falcons. This rich history of airpower culminated in the 27th Operations Group being redesignated as the 27th Special Operations Group on October 1, 2007. This transition marked Cannon’s shift to its current special operations focus, solidifying its vital role in national defense and projecting American airpower globally from its strategic location in New Mexico.
