45th Fighter Squadron to rejoin A-10 community

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Crystal Marie Jordan
  • 917 Wing Public Affairs
Barksdale Air Force Base, La. --  The United States Air Force plans to reactivate the historic 45th Fighter Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., during a ceremony on base Jan. 7 at 3 pm.

The reactivation of the 45th FS, by order of the Secretary of the Air Force Mr. Michael B. Donley, will place the unit under the command of the 917th Wing Operations Group on Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

Retired Maj. Gen. Robert A. Nester is scheduled as the guest speaker for the event.

Col. Keith D. Schultz the 917th Operations Group deputy commander will act as the presiding official for the ceremony.

Also in attendance will be Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner, commander, Air Force Reserve Command, Big. Gen. Robert S. Arthur, vice commander, 10th Air Force, and Col. Edmund D. Walker, commander, 917th Wing.

In command of the 45th Fighter Squadron is Lt. Col. Terry W. McClain.

"I'm excited about the reactivation of the 45th FS mainly because my last interaction occurred while the A-10s were taken from the unit during a transitional phase," said Col. McClain. "I'm excited because I can bring the 45th FS back into the A-10 community."

This unit has a rich history dating as far back as the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor Naval Station, on the Territory of Hawaii.

Throughout history, the 45th FS has aided the U.S. Armed Forces in missions at home and abroad, providing air defense during both World War II and the Vietnam War.

Today, they have a new mission. The reactivation of the 45th FS will occur in support of A-10 Formal Training Unit (FTU) training. The FTU will provide Initial Qualification in the A-10 as well as Transition, Instructor Pilot Upgrade and Senior Officer Course training.