Photo By Senior Airman Seleena Muhammad-Ali | U.S. Air Force Omari Miller, 495th Fighter Generation Squadron F-35 avionics...... read more read more
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ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England —The 48th Fighter Wing activated the 493rd and 495th Fighter Generation Squadrons, establishing the first fifth-generation FGSs in the European theater, replacing the 748th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron during a ceremony held June 9, 2023, at RAF Lakenheath, England.
The idea to break large aircraft maintenance squadrons into smaller FGSs and pairing them up with their respective fighter squadrons aligns with the U.S. Air Force’s Combat Oriented Maintenance Organization (COMO) structure; aimed to foster unity of effort between maintenance and operations as well as enhance readiness of the squadrons.
“We have seen success with the 492nd and 494th FGS activations back in October,'' said Lt. Col. James Antone, 48th Maintenance Group deputy commander. “The result is enhanced lethality for the 48th Fighter Wing as the new structure maximizes the cohesion between the maintainers and the supported operations team, bringing leaders in closer proximity to their Airmen and customers.”
During the ceremony Lt. Col. Brandon Glass relinquished command of the 748th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and cased the guidon signifying the deactivation of the squadron.
Maj. Shaun Chauta took command of the newly formed 493rd FGS during the ceremony.
“I am so grateful to have this opportunity to lead the Reapers, as we continue to sustain the Gold standard here at RAF Lakenheath,” Chauta said. “Our mission moving forward will be to stay ready and reliable while creating a safe and fair work environment as we support the Liberty Wing’s overall mission success..”
Additionally, Maj. Stephen Ortner assumed command of the newly formed 495th FGS.
“I am blessed to lead a team of exceptional Airmen dedicated to maintaining and unleashing the full potential of our F-35s,” Ortner said. “We will continue to be successful in rapidly deploying, employing and sustaining combat air power.”
With the addition of the 493rd and 495th FGSs, the 48th Fighter Wing now has a dedicated FGS assigned to each of its four fighter squadrons, increasing control of their assets and allowing commanders to set squadron priorities to meet the needs of their Airmen while enhancing combat readiness, maximizing aircraft availability and supporting the mission requirements of the Liberty Wing.
| Date Taken: | 06.09.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 06.20.2023 05:21 |
| Story ID: | 447265 |
| Location: | RAF LAKENHEATH, SUFFOLK, GB |
| Web Views: | 161 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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