1st Fighter Wing activates 27th and 94th Fighter Generation Squadrons
The 1st Fighter Wing hosted a joint assumption of command ceremony to activate the 27th and 94th Fighter Generation Squadrons June 16 at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.
As part of the Combat Oriented Maintenance Organization initiative, the activation of the FGS units embodies the Air Force’s commitment to evolution and striving to continue synchronization between maintenance and operations.
Col. Neal Van Houten, 1st Maintenance Group commander, served as the presiding officer for the ceremony and described this ceremony as a symbol of evolution.
“The FGS units represent the first time in 1st FW history that squadron-level maintenance will control resources and priorities within its own unit,” said Van Houten. “While change is ever present in the Air Force, it should be very clear that our mission never changes and hasn’t changed for the past 100 years. We will continue to maintain and launch our aircraft, generating combat power to be used whenever the nation calls.”
Van Houten described the change as an exciting time, for maintainers as the activation also marks the transition of approximately 700 maintenance Airmen being redistributed under the newly enact units.
“This structure provides many benefits to our Airmen,” said Van Houten. “It aligns them with a commander who can become fully immersed in tactical level execution while strategically advocating for their needs.”
As Van Houten passed the reins to his two incoming commanders, he left them with his personal leadership philosophy: “the mission of executing combat air superiority doesn’t change and after today, in concert with your supported Fighter Squadrons, it’s all about the mission generation team.”
During the ceremony, Maj. Ellen Williams who brings diverse experience from assignments in Pacific Air Forces, Air Combat Command, Air Force Materiel Command and Global Strike Command, assumed command of the 94th FGS.
“I am humbled and honored to be a part of a unit with such an amazing history and an even brighter future,” said Williams. “Whether you are the 94th AMU, Fighter Squadron, or FGS you have and always will answer your nation’s call.”
Additionally, Maj. Sarah Furrer, who previously served at Headquarter Air Force’s Aircraft Maintenance Division, assumed command of the 27th FGS.
