The 908th Airlift Wing at Maxwell Air Force Base has activated Detachment 3 of the 58th Operations Group, marking the first time the wing has an active-duty associate mission partner. Det. 3 will provide mission support for the 908th’s flying training mission and local support for Air Education and Training Command’s management of MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter training courseware and syllabi. The detachment will also assist in providing trained Grey Wolf pilots and special mission aviators to four major commands for various operations. The activation ceremony was presided over by Col. Derek Price, commander of the 58th OG, and Lt. Col. Derek Cumbie assumed command of the detachment. Price highlighted the historical significance and perfect operating environment of Maxwell AFB for the 908th and Detachment 3 to thrive and provide Grey Wolf crews in the future. Cumbie thanked his family, friends, and colleagues and highlighted the importance of Det. 3’s activation in the journey towards graduating MH-139A students at Maxwell.
Detachment 3’s activation is significant as it marks the first time the 908th Airlift Wing has an associated partner. The wing has previously executed a tactical airlift mission solely with its Reserve personnel, but now active-duty members will work, train, and fly side-by-side with Reserve members. Det. 3 and the 58th OG both belong to the 58th Special Operations Wing, which is based at Kirtland Air Force Base. The 58th SOW’s parent organization is the 19th Air Force located at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, which belongs to Air Education and Training Command. Cumbie, who has over 17 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, previously served as the AETC liaison and director of operations for the 58th OG’s MH-139A Flying Training Unit Program Integration Office.
Cumbie emphasized that the ownership of the mission now rests with the members of Detachment 3, expressing confidence in their readiness for the challenge. The activation of Det. 3 is an important step in the progress towards training MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter pilots at Maxwell AFB. The partnership between active-duty and Reserve personnel in the 908th Airlift Wing sets an example of success for Total Force Integration.
Images and subject matter derived from 3rd party sources including www.af.mil.
