Cannon Air Force Base

Cannon Air Force Base at a glance

Cannon Air Force Base is home to the 27th Special Operations Wing in eastern New Mexico. Air Force Special Operations Command describes the wing's public mission areas as specialized mobility, intelligence and reconnaissance, combat support, information operations and other special operations airpower functions. The installation's identity is therefore tied to the Air Commandos and their supporting organizations.

The site's aviation history began with civilian Portair Field near Clovis in the 1920s. Military use followed during the Second World War, including an Army glider detachment and heavy-bomber activity. It later became Clovis Air Force Base and received the Cannon name in 1957, honoring General John Kenneth Cannon. The surrounding community remains rooted in the agricultural high plains of eastern New Mexico.

Also searched as: Cannon AFB, Clovis Air Force Base, Clovis Army Air Field.

Sources: Cannon AFB: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview; AFSOC official units overview: 27th Special Operations Wing

Mission and major activities

• Supports special operations airpower.
• Provides specialized mobility and combat-support functions.
• Supports intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activities.

Sources: AFSOC official units overview: 27th Special Operations Wing

Location and community

Cannon is west of Clovis in Curry County, New Mexico. The official overview describes the surrounding rural high-desert region as agriculturally based.

Sources: Cannon AFB: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview

Before you arrive

Use these questions with your sponsor or gaining organization. They are a starting point for planning, including assignments, courses and training periods that differ from a routine permanent change of station.

1. Confirm the organization, duration and reporting instructions shown on your orders. Ask which office handles your arrival.
2. Clarify lodging and housing arrangements before booking. Ask about availability, required approvals and how to handle a late arrival.
3. Before choosing a home, compare the commute, lease terms, school needs and your household budget. Ask the housing office about the options that apply to your situation.
4. Coordinate household goods and personal travel with the appropriate transportation office. Keep orders, receipts and important family records together.
5. Make a short list of contacts for medical care, schools, childcare and family support, where applicable to your assignment.

Official PCS planning resources   Housing allowance information

Sources: Cannon AFB: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview

Resources for service members and families

Start with the official resources for Cannon Air Force Base and ask which services your household can use. For a training site, rotational location or Reserve component assignment, confirm arrangements with your unit rather than assuming the services of a large residential installation are available.

From this mission to your next career

The mission at Cannon Air Force Base suggests the following areas to consider when describing your experience. These are LockLeed career suggestions based on the public mission, not a list of vacancies or qualifications held by everyone assigned here.

Write down the equipment, systems, processes and teams you personally supported. Add a specific result you can discuss publicly, then match that evidence to the civilian role you want. Keep operational details and sensitive information out of your application.

Official transition resources   Explore SkillBridge programs

Frequently asked questions

Sources and editorial notes

Installation facts above are drawn from the official sources below. Career suggestions and planning questions are LockLeed editorial guidance. Use official offices for current policies, eligibility and arrangements.

1. Cannon AFB: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overviewSupports: overview, local context, planning note
2. AFSOC official units overview: 27th Special Operations WingSupports: overview, mission

Reviewed 2026-09-30. This independent guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense. Map points are approximate and are not routing or reporting instructions.