Cannon Squadron Flies Into History

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AP) – A flight by two F-16 warbirds has marked the end of a squadron at Cannon Air Force Base.

The 27th Fighter Wing’s 523rd Fighter Squadron — dubbed the Crusaders — was deactivated yesterday. It’s the first squadron to be deactivated at Cannon as the base prepares to taken over by the Air Force Special Operations Command in October.

The 523rd Fighter Squadron dates back to February First, 1940, when it was activated at Barksdale Field, Louisiana.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) AP-NY-05-11-07 0914EDT