MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- On Dec. 3, 2021, the 366th Fighter Wing (FW) activated two Fighter Generation Squadrons (FGS), in place of the previous aircraft maintenance organizational structure, to realign with the Combat Oriented Maintenance Organization (COMO) model.
From the time the Air Force became a separate service in 1947 to the combat wing restructure in 2002, the Air Force has experimented with different types of organizational structures to test the most efficient and effective way to maintain a battle ready fleet of combat aircraft.
In the mid 1970’s, Air Combat Command (ACC), previously known as Tactical Air Command, adopted the Production Oriented Maintenance Organization plan (POMO).
According to Senior Master Sgt. David Schummer, A3/5 Superintendent, the 366th FW used to have an Aircraft Maintenance Squadron until it was deactivated due to an experimental wing reorganization in 2018. Since then, maintainers from that squadron integrated with the 389th Fighter Squadron (FS) and 391st FS.
ACC has experimented with several organizational structures over the last few years, and with lessons learned, the command is moving into a period of standardization. Combat Air Forces have begun transitioning from traditional aircraft maintenance organizational structures to realign under the COMO model.
“I’m excited to prepare mission ready Gunfighters to fight and win today’s war, and the next,” said Maj. Reis Griffin, 389th FGS commander.
This model enhances the Gunfighter’s ability to be better postured for dynamic force employment in support of Department of Defense priorities. Furthermore, it will enable the FS and the FGS to maintain unity of effort through consistent synchronization while also retaining each commander’s focus on their respective squadron’s operational execution, personnel management and development.
“I’m excited to start a new chapter in the extensive tiger history,” said Maj. Jeremy Geidel, 391st FGS commander. “I hope to continue the legacy as proudly as you guys have started.”
This structure enables wings to prepare for contingency response before a contingency arises, making them able to rapidly deploy and redeploy increasing the unit’s lethality.
Each FGS is comprised of maintainers and administrative personnel responsible for the health and generation of airpower and is aligned to the fighter squadron with the same numeric designation.
“As we look to the future, these mighty flying warhorses are not getting any younger, and they require focus and maintenance attention while they are here in the United States in order to ensure that they are prepared to deliver air power anytime and anywhere,” said Col. Ernesto DiVittorio, 366th FW commander. “However when that call comes, it is necessary that the team called to deliver that air power is, in fact, a team. With that in mind, the Air Force implemented the mission generation concept that consists of a FS and, now, a FGS. Two squadrons, forming one team, for any fight.”
As the test bed for the fighter generation squadrons, the first ACC bases to complete the transition were the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base and the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base. All other ACC Wings transitioned by the Fall 2021.