Reserve F-22 fighters begin move to Tyndall

by Tech Sgt Shawn McCowan
301st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

2/12/2014 - NAVAL AIR STATION FORT WORTH JOINT RESERVE BASE, Texas -- The 301st Fighter Wing's geographically-separated 44th Fighter Group moved began their move to Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. The first five F-22 Raptors made the journey to their new home February 5.

The Raptors had been assigned to Holloman AFB, N.M. They are part of the historic 301st Fighter Squadron, one of four squadrons which trace their heritage to the Tuskegee Airmen. While they remain assigned to the 301st Fighter Wing, they will be integrated with an active-duty sister unit, the 95th Fighter Squadron, part of Tyndall's 325th Fighter Wing.

The transition is a part of the Total Force Integration concept, combining active duty and reserve units. Together, the 301st FS and 95th FS support Air Combat Command missions. Fort Worth's 301st FW recently gained an active-duty fighter detachment and established itself as a flagship for TFI.

Col. John Breazeale, 301st FW commander, expressed high confidence in his Airmen as they integrate into one new team.

"The 301st Fighter Wing has a track record of successful TFI associations. We look forward to the transition to Tyndall and partnering with the 325th Fighter Wing to deliver the world's greatest air superiority Airmen to combatant commanders," said Breazeale.

Breazeale also knows his Airmen will add a new level of experience at Tyndall.

"Our fighter group there has a great team of professionals. The integration is off to a great start and we have great support from 325th leadership. Everyone is focused on meeting the training and combat mission of the 325th together."

Lt. Col. Andrew Lyons, 301st FS commander, called it a "point of pride" to see his people and aircraft side-by-side with their new teammates.

"We look forward to an opportunity to be fully integrated with the 325th Fighter Wing and focus on teamwork and partnership with our active duty brothers and sisters. We continue to integrate with the aim to become fully operational in the near future," said Lyons.

The transfer of all 24 aircraft is expected to be complete by April, and the combined unit is scheduled to be combat-ready a few months later.