27 SOW welcomes new commander

27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

7/25/2013 - CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M.  -- Col. Tony D. Bauernfeind, former 1st Special Operations Group commander at Hurlburt Field, Fla., took command of the 27th Special Operations Wing in a change of command ceremony here, July 23.

Lt. Gen. Eric Fiel, Air Force Special Operations Command commander, presided over the ceremony, during which Brig. Gen. Buck Elton relinquished command of the 27 SOW to Bauernfeind.

"Command is perhaps the most significant achievement in an officer's career," said Fiel. "Just as command is integral to our military organization, so is change; whether it is a change in mission, a change within the ranks, or a change of command."

"I have enormous confidence in your abilities," said Fiel while addressing Bauernfeind. "You're a leader who produces results and you have my trust and support. It is an honor to welcome you...to the 27 SOW."

As the guidon of leadership passed hands, Bauernfeind accepted the responsibility of preparing more than 4,500 Air Commandos with a variety of eight specialized aircraft on their charge to execute specialized air mobility, agile combat support, precision strike, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance missions in support of special operations forces.

"I am humbled to be standing before you today," said Bauernfeind. "Your accomplishments under General Elton's command, both in garrison and on the battlefield, are well known and something you should be proud of."

"You are the professionals that shoulder the burden of making our mission happen," he continued. "You are the Airmen that support our elite joint partners and you are the commandos that deliver incredible combat results across multiple battlefields as you take the fight to the enemy each and every night."

During his 22-year Air Force career, Bauernfeind has logged more than 3,400 hours as a command pilot on three different aircraft. He has earned awards and decorations including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star with two oak leaf clusters, Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters. Bauernfeind has previously commanded special operations forces at the squadron, group and wing level.

"I am honored to be on your team as we execute our two-fold mission," said Bauernfeind. "First, we will continue to deliver precise, reliable, flexible and responsive specialized-airpower to our joint partners. Next, we will sustain and continue growing this premier Air Force installation."

As Elton relinquished command, he addressed the many Air Commandos who under his leadership had successfully completed their mission and expanded the capabilities of Cannon and the U.S. Air Force in support of the nation.

"I am deeply humbled and honored by the opportunity to have served with you during these past two years," said Elton. "Cannon is a special place. Unique in its location, mission, culture and community support. We will truly miss it."

Elton has been re-assigned to Hurlburt Field, Fla., where he will become the new director of plans, programs, requirements, and assessments at headquarters, Air Force Special Operations Command.