Air Force Special Operations Command officials and New Mexico lawmakers conversed in Washington this week to work out how best to transform Cannon AFB, N.M, into its new role as a special operations facility. AFSOC plans to install as host unit at Cannon the 16th Special Operations Wing on Oct. 1. Among potential new requirements for the former fighter base would be hangar space to accommodate AFSOC’s MC-130 aircraft. Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) said in a joint statement with Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.), “After this meeting, I’m convinced we’re on track for getting our new mission in a timely fashion.”
The U.S. military is carrying out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions along the southern border and off the coast of Mexico using U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint and U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft as part of the Pentagon’s effort to secure the southern border at the direction of President…