Cannon Air Force Base

Cannon Air Force Base is located seven miles southwest of Clovis, New Mexico. The installation is operated by the United States Air Force under the jurisdiction of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).

The site originated in the late 1920s as a civilian passenger facility known as Portair Field before being established as Army Air Base Clovis in 1942. During World War II, the facility functioned as a bomber base where the 16th Bombardment Wing conducted training for B-24 Liberator crews. The installation was renamed Clovis Army Air Field in 1943 and Clovis Air Force Base in 1948. It received its current designation in 1957 in honor of General John K. Cannon. During the Cold War, the base hosted the 140th Fighter-Bomber Wing and later served as the primary location for F-111D Aardvark tactical fighter-bomber operations from the early 1970s to the early 1990s. Jurisdiction transferred from Air Combat Command to AFSOC on 1 October 2007.

The 27th Special Operations Wing serves as the host unit. Its mission involves specialized contingency operations, including the infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special operations forces, alongside providing intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and close air support. Stationed units include the 27th Special Operations Group, which manages multiple flying squadrons. These include the 3rd, 12th, and 33rd Special Operations Squadrons operating MQ-9A Reapers; the 9th Special Operations Squadron operating MC-130J Commando IIs; the 16th Special Operations Squadron operating AC-130J Ghostriders; the 20th Special Operations Squadron operating CV-22B Ospreys; and the 318th Special Operations Squadron operating U-28A aircraft.

The base also hosts geographically separate units, including the 26th Special Tactics Squadron and the 43rd Intelligence Squadron. Operational infrastructure is supported by the 27th Special Operations Maintenance Group, which provides integrated weapon system and vehicle maintenance, and the 27th Special Operations Mission Support Group, which manages facility construction, communications, and logistics. Medical services are provided by the 27th Special Operations Medical Group.