The Air Force has confirmed the earlier announcement by New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson that Air Force Special Operations Command has passed the environmental hurdle for starting the take-over of Cannon AFB, N.M. AFSOC plans to install Col. Tim Leahy, former vice commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Fla., as the first commander of the new wing at Cannon. The wing will be the 16th SOW. The new wing’s first aircraft will be the MC-130W Combat Spear of the 73rd Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt. The W model Hercules are designated aerial refuelers for the new CV-22 tiltrotors and conduct infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special ops forces.
Space Force Adds Unit Tying Acquisition to Test and Training
Sept. 18, 2025
The Space Force has introduced a host of new and revamped deltas in recent months to tighten the ties between acquisition and operations. Now, a new unit is adding training to the mix.