Press Releases

July 28, 2023 – U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and Clovis Mayor Mike Morris released the following statement in response to the U.S. Air Force’s announced decision to relocate seven MC-130J aircraft and around 300 to 350 service members, designated as the 6th Special Operations Squadron. The Squadron is scheduled for relocation from Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, N.M. to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, AZ, in the upcoming fiscal years, the exact timeline of which is yet to be determined.

“The importance of Cannon Air Force Base to Clovis, Curry County, and the State of New Mexico cannot be overstated. We are disappointed in this decision by the Air Force’s leadership. We are dedicated to preserving Cannon as a stronghold of Air Force Special Operations, ensuring its continued contributions to national security. We will continue our work to secure both a commitment and a concrete plan from the Air Force to increase its investment in Cannon. We will keep doing all that we can to deliver for the service members, civilians, and families of Cannon AFB and the surrounding community.”

In June, Representatives Leger Fernández, Melanie Stansbury, and Gabe Vasquez and Senators Luján and Heinrich wrote to the Defense Health Agency to encourage improved medical support at Cannon AFB and review any barriers that limit medical services hiring or contracting.  

According to an analysis by the University of New Mexico’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research, Cannon AFB and Melrose Air Force Range (AFR), in FY 2020, contributed an estimated direct, indirect, and induced effect of 6,413 jobs, over $400 million in wages and salaries, and $2 billion in a total industrial output.