New maintenance squadron increases Reserve presence on Nellis

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jessica Martin
  • 926th Group public affairs
A new U.S. Air Force Reserve maintenance squadron was activated May 15 during a ceremony here as part of the Air Force's Total Force Integration initiative.

The 926th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, under the 926th Group, is a classic associate unit to the United States Air Force Warfare Center here, providing skilled manpower and continuity to the 57th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

"We're extremely excited to stand up the 926th AMXS and increase our footprint here," said Col. David Culbertson, 926th Group commander. "We're proud to be part of Team Nellis; our maintainers are working hard every day to support the mission of the 57th AMXS and United States Air Force Warfare Center."

The 926th AMXS currently has 50 part-time and full-time reservists integrated into Regular Air Force operations at the base. Through TFI, the RegAF provides the aircraft and the Air Force Reserve provides additional manning to accomplish the mission.

The reservists are spread across three aircraft maintenance units in the 57th AMXS, working on F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-22 Raptor aircraft. Additionally, maintainers are integrated into the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds.

"I can personally attest to the value the Air Reserve Component brings in terms of skill and experience," said Lt. Col. Victor Mora, 57th AMXS commander. "The ARC personnel that we have are fully integrated into our daily operations, and we consider them a part of our squadron. I look forward to the 926 AMXS' activation and reaping the benefits of Total Force Integration."

The 926th AMXS' maintainers have been at Nellis since 2006 as a detachment unit. Due to the unit's growth in personnel and responsibility, the Air Force designated it a squadron, highlighting the importance of the Air Force Reserve's presence on Nellis and its enduring relationship with the RegAF.

The classic associate framework is part of the Air Force's TFI program. TFI is designed to produce a more capable and affordable Air Force composed of Regular, Guard and Reserve Airmen by modernizing the force and changing organizational constructs. Like the RegAF, the mission of the Air Force Reserve is to fly, fight and win ... in air, space and cyberspace.