27th SOG welcomes new commander

by Senior Airman Jette Carr
27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

6/3/2013 - CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M.  -- Col. Sean M. Farrell, former senior program analyst at the Pentagon, assumed command of the 27th Special Operations Group during a change of command ceremony at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., May 31.

Col. Buck Elton, 27th Special Operations Wing commander, presided over the ceremony in which Col. William West relinquished command of the 27th SOG to Farrell. West has been re-assigned to Hurlburt Field, Fla., where he will become the 1st Special Operations Wing commander.

"This operations group is the tip of the spear -- heavily-tasked, heavily-deployed and completely committed to taking the fight to the enemy, while providing precise and reliable specialized airpower to our joint and combined force," said Elton. "I have known Farrell for a long time and I am absolutely confident that he is the perfect choice to lead this diverse and challenging group."

Farrell isn't a stranger to Air Force Special Operations Command. He commanded the 16th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field from January 2008 through July 2009. While flying the AC-130H Spectre gunship, C-130E Hercules, AC-130W Stinger II and the EC130H Compass Call, he accumulated more than 3,400 flight hours.

Farrell has been awarded several accommodations such as the Distinguished Flying Cross with "V" Device, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters, and the Aerial Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters.

During the ceremony, Farrell addressed the Air Commandos under his command, informing them of his expectations.

"Leadership is never constant," Farrell said. "Faces change at the top, but what does not change is the obligation and duty to execute and to be prepared to undertake the full spectrum of specialized air operations to support our nation's objectives.

"The operations group combat experience and expertise is at an all-time high," he explained. "We will need to leverage that experience to field new weapon systems, modify and improve TTPs [tactics, techniques and procedures], and plan to meet the next threat over the horizon. This can only be accomplished with a disciplined, well-trained and highly-motivated team. That is our mark -- that is your charge."