CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. – The 27th Special Operations Air Operations Squadron was redesignated to the 27th Special Operations Theater Air Operations Squadron during a ceremony on December 8, 2023.
During the redesignation and change of command ceremony, Lt. Col. Adam Jones, 27th SOAOS commander, relinquished command to Lt. Col. Phillip Henrikson, 27th SOTAOS commander, making Henrikson the first squadron commander in the newly designated squadron’s history.
Over the last decade, the 27th SOAOS played a crucial role in the success of the 27th Special Operations Wing. Its mission has now been fully integrated into both the Wing Staff functions and the 27th Special Operations Support Squadron. This restructuring enables the 27th SOTAOS to focus on its new mission and align the 27th SOW with Air Force Special Operations Command’s vision and priorities.
Current national defense and Air Force Special Operations Forces strategies directs the increased importance of shifting national defense priorities from countering violent extremist organizations to integrated deterrence efforts – which requires a deliberate campaign plan. This new operating environment has proven that relationships are essential, and operations are likely to be multi-domain, meaning they are not limited to air, land, and sea, but may include space, cyberspace, and the information environment.
“I am exceptionally excited about the future of this squadron and the mission they will execute,” said Col. Jeremy Bergin, commander of the 27th SOW. It will no doubt have significant operational and strategic impacts and I can’t think of another officer I’d rather have leading this effort than Phil.”
Born from Air Force Special Operation Command’s Theater Engagement Construct, a framework that aligns AFSOF to Geographic Combatant Commands and Theater Special Operations Commands, the 27th SOTAOS will leverage AFSOC’s competitive advantage – Air Commandos. Through partnerships and multi-domain efforts, the SOTAOS will regionally synchronize, integrate, and employ AFSOF capabilities.
By focusing on one region, Africa in this case, the 27th SOTAOS will bring three crucial distinct capabilities to its aligned region. The unit will work to determine SOF air capabilities and limitations, gain an advanced understanding of regional complexities, and utilize regional and AFSOF expertise to effectively execute the mission.
“T-AOSs are the first units of their type within AFSOC who are granted direct communications with their respective TSOCs and GCCs,” said Henrikson. “The 27th SOTAOS team is already looking at ways to counter our adversaries’ efforts to gain a foothold in the turbulent content of Africa.”
Addressing the challenges presented by today’s complex national security environment requires a multi-lens, multi-layer approach. The 27th SOTAOS will work to broaden and deepen the partnerships and alliances in United States Africa Command. These relationships require extensive collaboration, and the unit will be the force that drives unique AFSOF strategy for TSOCs, and ultimately GCCs, by integration with partners and Allies in mind from the start.
