Rep. Vasquez Statement on Cannon Air Force Base Squadron Relocation Announcement

LAS CRUCES, N.M. - U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (N.M.-02) has released the following statement in response to the U.S. Air Force’s announced decision to relocate seven MC-130J aircraft and approximately 300 service members, designated as the 6th Special Operations Squadron, from Cannon Air Force Base. 

“I am extremely disappointed in the U.S. Air Force’s decision to relocate despite the New Mexico delegation’s request to keep the mission at Cannon Air Force Base. The U.S. Air Force must prioritize rural installations, such as Cannon AFB. These bases serve critical national defense interests and sustain rural economies. This relocation will impact over 300 service members and the Clovis community. These decisions should be made in the best interest of national defense while balancing the needs of rural communities.

New Mexico plays a unique and critical role in our nation’s national security. Cannon Air Force Base was recently approved as a preferred location for the U-28 to OA-1K recapitalization mission, which demonstrates the vital function rural New Mexico plays in maintaining our national security. Across the state, our labs, bases and training areas provide thousands of jobs in New Mexico, attracting top-tier talent to our state. Most importantly, service members often remain in the state to become integral members of our New Mexican communities.”

Vasquez is the only member of the New Mexican delegation to serve on an Armed Services committee. Recently, Vasquez secured many provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, including the largest pay raise for service members in the last decade, addressing per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in drinking water on military installations and improving the quality of on-base housing for service members. 

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