HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — The 388th Maintenance Group consolidated aircraft maintenance efforts under a single squadron during a combined ceremony here July 29, 2026.
The group stood up the 388th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and deactivated the 4th, 34th, and 421st Fighter Generation Squadrons.
Col. Jessica Williams, 388th MXG commander, presided over the ceremony, deactivating the outgoing units and highlighted the leadership of Maj. Ryan Sheik (4th FGS), Maj. Adam Marthaler (34th FGS), and Lt. Col. Cahn Wadhams (representing the 421st FGS).
Following the deactivations, Williams activated the 388th AMXS and passed command to Maj. Dustin Woosley.
"When you merge things, the goal is to have the sum become greater than the parts," Williams said. "These three squadrons have their own unique heritage, culture, and spirit and legacy. They will keep their heritage as they support the fighter squadrons of the 388th Fighter Wing and are now strengthened as the aircraft maintenance squadron."
Woosley now leads the unified maintenance force responsible for the entirety of the wing's F-35 fleet. His priority lies squarely with the personnel executing the daily mission, he said.
"I'm excited to be back on the F-35, and more importantly, I'm excited to be around the maintainers that support them," Woosley said. "I don't take the responsibility lightly and I look forward to the opportunity."
Under the unified structure, the 388th AMXS is now responsible for coordinating all daily maintenance operations to support the wing’s F-35 fleet. The consolidated unit's new identity was chosen to reflect this combined defensive capability, Williams said.
"The 388th AMXS is represented by Cerberus from Greek mythology, the three-headed dog of war, and will affectionately be known as the Hellhounds," Williams said. "I can think of no better representation for the coming together of three FGSs to keep our enemies at bay."