Senior Airman performs check on tool kit

Senior Airman Jonathon Strait, 95th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load team member, reviews a discrepancy log for one of several new weapons composite tool kits. The new tool kits are part of the incoming $65 million worth of equipment to support newly arriving jets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dustin Mullen)

More aircraft increases maintenance mission

Published Jan. 3, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Dustin Mullen
325 Fighter Wing Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Tyndall will soon house the largest F-22 Raptor force, a new group of expert maintainers and more than $65 million in equipment to make sure the jets remain the pinnacle of air dominance.

"These aircraft transferring from Holloman bring a whole new mission to Tyndall," said Capt. Emily E. Harris, 95th Aircraft Maintenance Unit officer in charge. "Tyndall is no longer just a training base. The 95th AMU is excited to be part of Tyndall's new mission, in providing the 95th Fighter Squadron with combat capable aircraft and a deployment ready maintenance unit."

The 95th AMU will jump from 99 active-duty personnel, to 192 by the end of July. The unit will also be integrated with about 30 full-time Air Reserve technicians, who will belong to the 44th Fighter Group, said Capt. Emily E. Harris, 95th AMU officer in charge.

Personnel will be arriving from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., the 43rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit and other bases.

There is also an influx of maintainers going to the 325th Maintenance Squadron. They will add the numbers needed to handle the increased workload caused by the incoming 24 aircraft, Harris said.

Once the 95th AMU receives all of the incoming tools and equipment, it will equate to roughly $65 million in assets.

They currently have about 30 percent of their support equipment from Holloman, said Harris.

"Being part of this new mission is a unique opportunity to see just how much of a team effort is required around Tyndall to accomplish the mission," said Tech. Sgt. Kyle Quigley, 95th AMU support section chief.

Quigley's shop started with only three people in August and increased to 10 so far.

"I'm very excited to be part of the combat mission that's coming to Tyndall," said Quigley. "It's our opportunity to be ready and put our training into practice."