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Wing holds re-designation ceremony

  • Published
  • By Karen Petitt
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Hundreds of Team Scott personnel gathered in military formation Nov. 10 to participate in a re-designation ceremony for the 375th Air Mobility Wing and an assumption of command for a new squadron, both results of the Air Force's continued Total Force Integration efforts.

The 375th Airlift Wing was officially re-designated as the 375th Air Mobility Wing Oct. 1, but today's ceremony gave everyone a chance to come together to witness this unique and historic occasion, said Col. Gary Goldstone, 375th AMW commander.

"This is a special event because re-designations are infrequent - the last one being almost 20 years ago when we changed to 375th Airlift Wing (formerly the 375th Military Airlift Wing) as part of larger Air Force-wide reorganizations. The results from that realignment were a strengthened chain of command and increased accountability for mission accomplishment.

"Now we're the 375th Air Mobility Wing, a change that reflects an added mission set as we provide active-duty pilots, boom operators and maintainers who work side-by-side Illinois Air National Guard members in accomplishing the KC-135 refueling mission. The results from this realignment will be the sharing of assets to maximize mission performance. Maximizing the synergy with Total Force Integration efforts is critical to closing the gap between the scarcity of our resources and the volume of our mission requirements. "

This partnership, called an Active Association, is with the ANG's 126th Air Refueling Wing, who owns KC-135 airframes and who will direct all operation mission requirements for the active-duty personnel. This association necessitated the relocation of an active-duty air refueling squadron from Grand Forks AFB, N.D., to here which now forms the 906th Air Refueling Squadron.

Today's events marked the ceremonial assumption of command for Lt. Col. Joe Santos as the commander of the unit, which is expected to have 150 personnel by 2011. Colonel Santos arrived about three months ago and has spearheaded the buildup of the squadron. Since the Oct. 1 official relocation, they've spent time in Florida refueling fighter aircraft at Eglin AFB and are scheduled to help the 375th AMW transport people and cargo during an operational readiness exercise next week. The unit is also scheduled to refuel four F-16s as they make their way from Texas to Greece.

Colonel Santos said, "It's an honor to be part of this mission and to work with 126th. They've been great and very supportive, and we look forward to providing Air Mobility Command and our Air Force with continued global reach."

Col. Peter Nezamis, 126th ARW commander, presided during this portion of the ceremony and added, "We stand closer than ever today on common ground, which will be of mutual benefit to our respective missions and commands. Total Force Integration efforts are about the opportunity and drive to generate efficiencies while sharing resources, reducing duplication of effort, increasing overall capabilities, and building upon the training and experience levels in each squadron. This new Active Association will foster a greater understanding of the unique cultures and responsibilities of each other's component."

The 375th AMW also has an Active Association with the Air Force Reserve's 932nd Airlift Wing, which formed nearly three years ago. Together with wings provide airlift via C-40C aircraft for senior leaders.