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.”
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.