Civic leaders from around Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico gathered at the Clovis (N.M.) Community College Tuesday to relay their support for the take over of the base by Air Force Special Operations Command. The Clovis News Journal reports that local officials and citizens who turned out for a public hearing on the potential environmental impact assessment (large file) of the change appeared supportive. The newspaper quoted Clovis Mayor David Lansford as saying the populace understands “there will be changes [and] they look forward to the opportunity to adapt.” The community had faced the closure of Cannon under BRAC 2005 unless the base found a new mission once the 27th Fighter Wing deactivates.
Control of the skies in Operation Epic Fury is enabling the Pentagon to rely more on satellite- and laser-guided bombs, throttle back on expensive long-range standoff munitions, and move to a new phase of air war, defense officials said on March 4. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen.…