Cannon Air Force Base

Branch: U.S. Air Force (Air Force Special Operations Command)
Location: Clovis, New Mexico
Installation Type: Air Force Base
Status: Active

Overview

Cannon Air Force Base, established in 1942 and named after General John K. Cannon, is located approximately 7 miles west of Clovis in eastern New Mexico on the Llano Estacado (Staked Plain). The installation was slated for closure under the 2005 BRAC process but was retained after the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) selected it as a major operating location. Today, Cannon AFB is home to the 27th Special Operations Wing (SOW) and serves as a key hub for special operations aviation.

Mission & Units

Primary Mission: Provide manned fixed-wing and rotary-wing special operations aviation in support of combatant commanders and special operations forces worldwide.
Major Units:
27th Special Operations Wing (27 SOW) — host wing
27th Special Operations Group
27th Special Operations Support Group
27th Special Operations Medical Group
Multiple special operations squadrons operating CV-22 Osprey, MC-130J Commando II, U-28A, and other platforms
Tenant Units: Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) elements; Air Force Special Operations Air Warfare Center detachments; various classified tenant organizations

Location & Access

Nearest Major City: Clovis, NM — approximately 7 miles east; Lubbock, TX — approximately 100 miles southeast; Albuquerque, NM — approximately 220 miles northwest
Nearest Commercial Airport: Clovis Municipal Airport (CVN) — approximately 10 miles; Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB) — approximately 100 miles
Gate Access: CAC or valid military ID required; visitor passes issued at the main gate with government-issued photo ID, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance; due to special operations mission, enhanced security measures may apply; visitor control hours vary — contact security forces

Population

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 3,500-5,000
Family Members: Approximately 5,000-8,000
Civilian Employees: Approximately 500-1,500
Total Installation Population: Approximately 10,000-15,000

Key Facilities

Medical: 27th Special Operations Medical Group — primary care clinic on installation; Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis provides emergency and specialty care; nearest military hospital is Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center (WHASC) at JBSA-Lackland for specialty care
Commissary: Yes — full-service commissary on installation
Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — BX with main store, shoppette, and food court options
Fitness & Recreation: Fitness center; outdoor pool; outdoor recreation program; auto hobby shop; Clovis has limited commercial recreation but the wide-open New Mexico landscape offers hunting, fishing, and off-road recreation nearby
Schools: No DoDEA schools on installation; Clovis Municipal School District serves on- and off-base military children; Portales and Texico schools serve families in outlying areas; school liaison officer available
Childcare: Child Development Center (CDC) on installation; waitlists are common at this growing special operations installation; register immediately upon receipt of orders
Veterinary Services: Military veterinary clinic on installation providing routine care, vaccinations, dental, and preventive health services for pets of active duty members
Legal Assistance / JAG: 27th SOW Staff Judge Advocate; legal assistance by appointment; walk-in hours available — contact the SJA office for current schedule

Housing

On-Base Housing: Managed by Balfour Beatty Communities; a growing inventory of units reflecting AFSOC expansion; 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom homes available; some newer construction
Average Wait Time: Varies; 0-6 months typical for most grades
Off-Base Housing: Clovis and Portales offer very affordable housing; average rent for a 3-bedroom home approximately $800-$1,300/month; home purchase prices well below national average; Texico (on the TX/NM border) is also popular with military families
BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

Sponsorship Program: Contact gaining unit’s orderly room or first sergeant upon receipt of orders; 27th SOW units maintain active sponsor programs for inbound personnel
In-Processing: Report to the 27th Force Support Squadron upon arrival; standard in-processing takes approximately 3-5 days; unit orientation is typically also required given the special operations environment
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Managed through the A&FRC; Clovis area has limited specialized medical resources; families with complex special needs should research local availability carefully before PCS; the EFMP coordinator can assist with assessments

Local Area & Quality of Life

Climate: Semi-arid high plains; hot dry summers (highs around 95 F), cool to cold winters with occasional snow; low humidity year-round; windy conditions common especially in spring; abundant sunshine
Cost of Living: Low — among the most affordable duty stations in the Air Force; housing, fuel, food, and services are significantly below the national average
Nearby Attractions: Carlsbad Caverns National Park (approximately 2.5 hours south); White Sands National Park (approximately 3 hours); Buddy Holly birthplace museum in Lubbock, TX; Bottomless Lakes State Park near Roswell (approximately 90 miles); Clovis Music Festival celebrates the area’s rock-and-roll heritage
Spouse Employment: Clovis job market is limited; major employers include Plains Regional Medical Center, local schools, retail, and agriculture; Eastern New Mexico University in Portales (20 miles) provides education options; Lubbock, TX offers more diverse employment but requires commute; remote work increasingly common among military spouses

Contact & Resources

Official Website: https://www.cannon.af.mil/
Main Installation Phone: (575) 784-3000 (or (575) 784-1110)
MWR Website: https://www.27sofss.com/ (or contact installation MWR directly)
ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC), 27th Special Operations Force Support Squadron, Cannon AFB — (575) 784-2528

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: cannon.af.mil, 27th Special Operations Wing public affairs, AFSOC public affairs, militaryinstallations.dod.mil, Balfour Beatty Communities, Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law