The Air Force Gunsmith Shop has a new name and new parent unit, after 48 years under the umbrella of the Air Education and Training Command and its predecessor organizations. It will still reside in its secure bunker facilities at Lackland AFB, Tex., but it is now part of Air Force Materiel Command. AETC officials call it a good match since the small unit of 11 personnel—now comprising the Air Force Gunsmith Integrated Product Team—has had AFMC as its approval authority for 30 years. Organizationally, the team now falls under the 542nd Armament Sustainment Group at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins AFB, Ga.
The Air Force is spending heavily on F-22 improvements through the end of the decade, suggesting it may not retire the jet in 2030 as it previously planned. New sensors, fuel tanks, communications, and electronic warfare systems are among the upgrades that comprise the package.