Clovis civic leaders see 16th SOW mission up close

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Stuart Camp
  • 16th SOW Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Familiarizing themselves with the Air Force Special Operations Command mission, more than a dozen civic leaders from New Mexico toured Hurlburt Field Sept. 14-15. 

The group, which includes mayors and civic leaders from Portales and Clovis, were given mission briefings, saw static displays of special operations aircraft and equipment and toured Hurlburt community facilities. 

The 16th Special Operations Wing flag and some yet-to-be-determined units will move to the western United States installation, giving the command two bases and access to a premier training range. 

"Traveling to Hurlburt Field was not only a learning experience, but a recommitment of my patriotism to the men and women who defend our freedom everyday," said Debi Lee, Portales, N.M. city manager. "The dedication and focus that I saw in the 16th SOW was truly amazing as I had the privilege to talk with several of the highly trained men and women at Hurlburt Field.They're a force to be reckoned with." 

The visit was the second piece of a transition plan engineered by AFSOC leaders.
A contingent of 46 AFSOC Airmen and family members went on a "fact-finding" mission July 20-21 to sort fact from fiction regarding the command's newest base. AFSOC is set to accept ownership of Cannon and the Melrose Missile Range from Air Combat Command effective Oct. 1, 2007. 

The 2005 Base Realignment and Closure commission determined that the existing mission of Cannon - the 27th Fighter Wing - will draw down and its fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons will be reassigned inside the Air Force. 

The 16th SOW will take that wing's place, making it their new home. 

"We're looking forward to hosting them (the 16th SOW) the community of Portales and are committed to personally assisting them in their transition in any way possible," said Ms. Lee. "I want to personally thank Gen. Michael Wooley and his staff for hosting us and providing us an opportunity to better know the importance of the 16th SOW and understand the commitment and sacrifice that is being made for all Americans. It was an honor to be a part of this adventure." 

Although the decision as to which units and aircraft will be making the move has yet to be reached, a new AFSOC base brings the possibility for Airmen from Hurlburt Field and other AFSOC units to be stationed at the New Mexico base.