First Eagles fly away

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Bryan Franks
  • 33d Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (ACCNS) --  The first F-15C Eagles took off for their new home in New Orleans, Wednesday as the 33d Fighter Wing begins the transition into the international training center for F-35 Lightening II. 

"Over the next year, fewer and fewer F-15s will be flying over the skies of Eglin but it won't lessen the 33d Fighter Wing's commitment to global air dominance or the War on Terror, said Col. Todd Harmer, 33d FW commander. 

In 1965, the 33rd was activated at Eglin flying the F-4 Phantom II and in 1978, the wing converted to the F-15 Eagle. 

"The 33d Fighter Wing has played an integral part providing air dominance for America and that role will continue as we transition to the F-35," Colonel Harmer said. "The F-35 mission at Eglin will ensure the strategic defense of our country." 

While the first jets have left, the 33d FW will continue to fly and fix the F-15 until the draw down is complete. 

The transition begins with the departure of the aircraft, however, taking care of the Airmen that make up the 33d FW is priority for wing leadership. 

Team Eglin is helping the 33d FW prepare for the drawdown; the command support staffs, medical, logistics, finance and others from the different wings that make up Eglin are working together to make out processing from Eglin a seamless transition, Colonel Harmer said. 

Planning for the future has become the focus for Airmen assigned to the 33d FW. They have been identified into three groups and informed when they can expect to leave. 

"Change is a fact of life and we feel that by embracing those changes early we can better prepare our Airmen for the road ahead," Colonel Harmer said. "Many of our Airmen have made roots in the community and consider the Emerald Coast home however they understand their commitment to the Air Force and this wonderful country they serve." 

The Nomads have long held "once a Nomad -- always a Nomad." As they pass the torch from Air Combat Command to Air Education and Training Command, every F-35 Lightening II pilot, whether American or a coalition partner, will carry on the Nomad tradition.