Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Happy Birthday USAF Reserve

by 477th Fighter Group Public Affairs

4/14/2015 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska  -- April 14 will mark the 67th birthday of the U.S. Air Force Reserve which was formally established by President Harry S. Truman nearly seven decades ago.

Since that time, reservists have provided combat ready forces to fly, fight and win across the globe, and the 477th Fighter Group here is no exception. The 477th is the world's most experienced F-22 organization in the Air Force and is responsible for recruiting, training, developing and retaining a combat-ready force of approximately 350 reservists to support the active duty and Expeditionary Air Force.

Operating in various locations around the world, the Air Force Reserve has evolved from a "stand by" force for emergencies into a Major Command and currently performs about 20 percent of the work of the Air Force.

As the only Air Force Reserve unit in Alaska, the 477th serves as the backbone of the Total Force Enterprise here, volunteering for 5,000 hours of alert operations and contributing three pilots with more than 1,000 hours in the F-22. With reservists integrated in every part of the Raptor operations, from maintenance and ground equipment to pilots and support staff, the 477th sets the standard for total force integration.

In addition, Reserve members live work and serve in and around the communities locally. From parish priests to school superintendents, and Cub Scout leaders to community volunteers, group members contributed thousands of hours to the Alaskan economy and way of life.

Take time this month to recognize the men and women of the Air Force Reserve, honor their service and wish them a happy birthday.

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