From Fighting to Training

From Fighting to Training: On Oct. 1, the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin AFB, Fla., formally embraced its new role as the lead joint training wing for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter as it transitioned from Air Combat Command to Air Education and Training Command. The wing has shed its F-15 force and expects to see its first F-35s in late summer 2010. "Today begins a new chapter for the Nomads under AETC; you will continue the air dominance legacy for the 33rd," said Maj. Gen. Gregory Feest, commander of AETC's 19th Air Force. Col. David Hlatky, who took command of the wing, said: "The F-35 will deliver precision munitions in ways and places no other aircraft can. A lot is riding on the success of this program. We've got to get it right and we will." (Includes Team Eglin report by Leslie Brown and report by Ashley Wright; also see Northwest Florida News report)

10/5/2009

Verbatim

Appreciative Host
"I know you're here during a difficult time. You're here through Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. I promise you, we will find turkeys."
—Republic of Lithuania Chief of Defence Maj. Gen. Arvydas Pocius, expressing his thanks to airmen of the 493rd Fighter Squadron from RAF Lakenheath, Britain, who on Sept. 1, 2010, began a four-month stint with their F-15s in Lithuania to protect the airspace of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania under NATO's Baltic air policing mission.

Verbatim

Family Momentum
"In many ways, this was what the Year of the Air Force Family was all about—connecting airmen and their families with the resources they need. I have confidence the Air Force will capitalize on this strong momentum in the years ahead by continuing to improve our family support programs and ensuring people know what resources are available."
—Suzie Schwartz, wife of USAF Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, commenting on the accomplishments of the Year of the Air Force Family initiative that concluded in July, in a statement provided to the Daily Report, Aug. 22, 2010.