The 44th Fighter Group, Air Force Reserve, recently conducted its first flying unit training assembly at Tyndall Air Force Base since returning to the base. This training was important for the pilots and maintainers as it gave them hands-on experience with F-35A Lightning IIs and allowed for their first local sortie since Hurricane Michael. The 44th FG is in the process of transitioning alongside the 325th Fighter Wing to become a fully capable fifth-generation aircraft combat unit, and these training experiences are crucial in producing mission-ready Airmen for unrivaled combat airpower.
Master Sgt. Brian Posey, 44th Maintenance Squadron airframe powerplant general section chief, stated that the training was a significant step towards regaining full capability as a unit. The resilience of the group since the hurricane was evident during the training, and having the opportunity for the personnel to train was a positive development. The 44th FG, originally assigned to the 301st Fighter Wing in Fort Worth, Texas, became an associate unit of the 325th FW in 2014. After Hurricane Michael in 2018, the group relocated to Eglin AFB, Florida, operating the F-22 Raptor airframe until Tyndall’s transition to the F-35A was completed, leading to their return to Tyndall in April 2023.
The re-commencement of the group’s participation in hands-on training at Tyndall AFB is a significant milestone for the 325th FW. The total-force maintainers and pilots at Tyndall AFB worked together during the training to set the standard for future UTAs, showcasing successful cooperation and setting the tone for future interoperability and integration with the 325th FW’s mission of projecting combat airpower for America. Staff Sgt. Michael Benvenuto, a 301st Fighter Squadron aircrew flight equipment craftsman, emphasized the importance of understanding who is maintaining the aircraft one is flying, highlighting the boost in morale and the fruition of hard work despite past adversities, expressing excitement for the future growth of the wing.
Overall, the recent training at Tyndall AFB marks a significant step in the 44th FG’s journey towards becoming a fully combat-coded wing. The experiences gained during the training, the resilience shown by the personnel since Hurricane Michael, and the cooperation with the 325th FW all contribute to the group’s readiness to produce unrivaled combat airpower through mission-ready Airmen. The return to Tyndall AFB and the successful training experiences demonstrate the dedication and commitment of the 44th FG to continue growing and evolving into a fully capable fifth-generation aircraft combat unit.
