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A CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to the 20th Special Operations Squadron approaches the air-refueling receptacle of an MC-130 Commando II during a night flight at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, Sept. 12, 2024. The Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft that combines a helicopter's vertical takeoff, hover, and vertical landing qualities with the long-range, fuel efficiency, and speed characteristics of a turboprop aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gracelyn Hess)

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U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Corbin Schmitke, a loadmaster assigned to the 9th Special Operations Squadron, checks his gear before a night flight at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, Sept. 12, 2024. Loadmasters are essential to air mobility, ensuring safe and efficient flights by expertly calculating load placement, securing cargo, facilitating passenger comfort, and coordinating precise airdrop operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gracelyn Hess)

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U.S. Air Force loadmasters assigned to the 9th Special Operations Squadron assist in maneuvering a forklift towards the tailgate of an MC-130 Commando II at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, Sept. 12, 2024. Loadmasters in the Air Force ensure safe and efficient airlift operations by planning weight distribution and loading cargo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gracelyn Hess)

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Taylor Sankus, a loadmaster assigned to the 9th Special Operations Squadron, assists in maneuvering a forklift away from a loaded MC-130 Commando II at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, Sept. 12, 2024. Loadmasters calculate the weight of the aircraft when it is loaded and ensure all safety procedures are completed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gracelyn Hess)

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Taylor Sankus, a loadmaster assigned to the 9th Special Operations Squadron, loads a piece of cargo onto an MC-130 Commando II at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, Sept. 12, 2024. Loadmasters fill a crucial role in airlift operations, performing skilled calculations to safely deliver people and supplies around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gracelyn Hess)

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Taylor Sankus, a loadmaster assigned to the 9th Special Operations Squadron, unloads cargo from an MC-130 Commando II after a late-night flight at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, Sept. 12, 2024. The MC-130 primarily flies missions at night to reduce the probability of visual acquisition and intercept by airborne threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gracelyn Hess)

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Taylor Sankus and Airman 1st Class Corbin Schmitke, loadmasters assigned to the 9th Special Operations Squadron, talk over comms during a night flight at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, Sept. 12, 2024. Loadmasters' duties include mathematically preplanning the correct load placement on the airplane, ensuring passenger comfort and safety, securing cargo, and executing airdrop operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gracelyn Hess)

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Photo Story: 9th Special Operations Squadron conducts night flight

Published Sept. 24, 2024
By A1C Gracelyn Hess
27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --

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505th Command and Control Wing News

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