Cannon Air Force Base 27th Special Operations Wing welcomes new commander in July

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (KAMR/KCIT) – According to an announcement from Cannon Air Force Base, the 27th Special Operations Wing is expected to see a change in leadership on July 15 with the departure of its commander, US Air Force Col. Jeremy Bergin.

Officials noted that during a ceremony on July 15 at the base, Bergin will relinquish command to US Air Force Col. Robert Johnston. After concluding his time at Cannon AFB, Bergin is expected to move to his next assignment as Chief of Staff for Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field, Fla.

After becoming commander in May 2023, officials noted that Bergin established an off-base dormitory lease to relieve dorm shortage on base, oversaw the establishment of Mission Sustainment Teams and a Special Operations Theater Air Operations Squadron, increased access to quality medical care, and led the wing through crisis response and combat deployments.

“These accomplishments increased quality of life and quality of mission directly impacting Cannon Air Commandos, a priority of Bergin’s during his time at the 27th SOW,” said Cannon AFB.

Further, officials detailed that Bergin “reinvigorated the heritage of the Wing by coining Cannon AFB with the moniker The Steadfast Line, honoring the 27th SOW’s ties to the 27th Bombardment Group. The new title also highlights the military’s requirement of its service members: to often do what is required for the sake of the mission, and to be multi-capable, as AFSOC continues to develop multi-capable Airmen.”

The new incoming commander, Johnston, was described as having previously served two assignments at Cannon AFB as the Operations Office and, later, commander of the 9th Special Operations Squadron. He was noted as a native of Copperas Cove, Texas, and earned his commission from the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Texas A&M University before going on to become a command pilot with more than 4,300 hours flying various aircraft.

Johnston’s most recent assignment was as the commander of the 492nd Special Operations Training Group-Air Commando Development Center (P) in Hurlburt Field. Officials noted that the ACDC is AFSOC’s “focal point” for special operations forces operational and professional development, alongside certification, validation and verification for all AFSOC units of action. The unit has highlighted training, education and exercise development to conduct special operations missions “across the spectrum of conflict.”

Further information on Cannon AFB can be found on its website.

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