Texas native Johnston takes command of 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon Air Force Base

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. — Cannon's Air Commandos have a new commander.

Col. Robert L. Johnston assumed command of the U.S. Air Force 27th Special Operations Wing from Col. Jeremy S. Bergin during a change of command ceremony Monday morning.

Johnston is a Copperas Cove native and a Texas A&M graduate who has previously served two assignments at Cannon. He is a command pilot with more than 4,300 flight hours and comes back to Cannon from Hurlburt Field, Florida, where he was commander at the Air Commando Development Center.

Bergin had led the Cannon-based wing since May last year. Though commander appointments generally last two years, this shuffle happened sooner due to leadership restructuring in the Air Force Special Operations Command, officials said. Bergin will head to Hurlburt Field and become chief of staff for Air Force Special Operations Command.

During his time as commander of the 27th SOW, Bergin established the Air Force's very first public-private, off-base dormitory lease for single airmen to alleviate a mounting housing shortage at Cannon. He also oversaw the establishment of Mission Sustainment Teams and a Special Operations Theater Air Operations Squadron, increased access to medical care for airmen and led the wing through crisis response and combat deployments, according to a news release from the wing.

Bergin dubbed the base "The Steadfast Line," which "reinvigorated the heritage of the wing" by honoring its historical ties to the World War II-era 27th Bombardment Group.

Lt. Gen. Michael E. Conley, commander of the Air Force Special Operations Command, presided over Monday's ceremony. He praised Bergin for his service and welcomed Johnston to his new post.

"You have successfully led critical missions, ensured the readiness of our force and pioneered next-generation (unmanned aircraft systems) capabilities," Conley said to Bergin during his remarks.

"Your exceptional record of excellence and diverse experience position you perfectly to lead this wing into the future," Conley told Johnston. "Your deep commitment to our mission and your vision for operational excellence will build upon the strong foundation laid by Col. Bergin."

As he relinquished command, Bergin reflected on his time at Cannon and encouraged Johnston as he steps in to lead.

"Today marks a bittersweet moment for me and our family as I stand before you ready to pass the command of this incredible wing to a very close friend," Bergin said. "It has been the highest honor and privilege of my career to serve this community and our amazing Air Commandos.

"Col. Johnston, I am humbled to relinquish command to such an incredible leader."

Johnston thanked Bergin for his service as commander and the Eastern New Mexico community for its support. He looked forward to what's next for the 27th SOW.

"I could not be more honored to take command from someone who I consider to be a phenomenal leader and an even more remarkable officer," Johnston said. "While this ceremony signifies a change of leadership, the expectations for The Steadfast Line will not change.

"When it comes to executing the mission with precision and lethality, we will hold the line. When it comes to taking care of our airmen and families, integrating with the local community and supporting the local community, we will hold the line. When it comes to driving change and transforming for the future conflicts that we face, we will hold the line. Most importantly and finally, when it comes to making sure we defend our nation and instill our American values, and make sure prosperity continues, we will hold the line," Johnston said.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas native Johnston takes command of 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon Air Force Base