Several Air Force Reserve Command units in classic associations with active duty fighter wings will adopt new roles as USAF introduces the F-35A and realigns its F-22s. AFRC’s 419th Fighter Wing will continue its partnership with the active duty 388th FW at Hill AFB, Utah, as the latter switches from F-16s to F-35s in 2013. AFRC’s 944th FW will similarly be a part of the new F-35 schoolhouse at Luke AFB, Ariz. Luke is shedding two of its four F-16 squadrons to make room. The Reservists at Luke will also continue to support the two remaining F-16 squadrons. Meanwhile, the two F-16 units leaving Luke are headed to Holloman AFB, N.M., which is losing its F-22s. Reservists from the Holloman’s 44th Fighter Group will remain at Holloman to help operate those F-16s, together with some members of the 944th FW who are transferring from Luke. (Robins release)
National Guard adjutants general from nearly two dozen states have signed a letter to Congress seeking multiyear funding for the Air Force to purchase between 72 and 100 new fighter jets per year to modernize the total force.The letter, sent to Congress last week, stresses the need for the Air…