27th SOAOS activates at Cannon

by Senior Airman Whitney Tucker
27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

7/1/2013 - CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The 27th Special Operations Air Operations Squadron was activated during a ceremony at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., June 27.

Col. Buck Elton, 27th SOW commander, called for the formation of the 27th SOAOS in response to the 23rd Air Force directive. 

The directive called for a successful transition of command and control execution from the 623rd Air Operations Center to special operations wings and groups.

"Command and control is an Air Force core function and a special operations core mission," Elton said. "The timing was perfect -- we had the right leader, and the right people to build this squadron."

In a gesture deeply rooted in tradition, Elton unfurled, and passed the guidon to Lt. Col. Edward Espinoza, whose acceptance signified his assumption of command and a historical moment for Air Commandos of the 27th SOW. Before rendering their first salute to their new commander, members of the 27th SOAOS listened to Espinoza's address.

"I have always believed that to whom much is given, much is expected, and much is expected of us," Espinoza said. "Today, we've officially tied ourselves to the heritage and history of Air Force Special Operations Command and United States Special Operations Command -- organizations synonymous with high expectations, high risk and high payoff. We've been given an opportunity to do something unique, something worthwhile. I'm counting on all of you to help me successfully carry out our crucial mission."

The wing commander expressed his faith in Espinoza's ability to effectively lead his squadron, bringing credit upon himself, the 27th SOW and the Air Force as a whole.

"We rely on you to provide critical global situational awareness, enable swift and effective orders, streamline communication, manage, protect and develop the training range, and most importantly, to make sure we execute the missions that are tasked to us all," Elton said. "I hope each Airman appreciates the trust, faith and high expectation our nation places upon Colonel Espinoza as we appoint him to command the 27th SOAOS."