NAVAL AIR STATION FORT WORTH JOINT RESERVE BASE, Texas -- As we begin the month of February, I want to take a look at our heritage and what Tenth Air Force units have done.
While the Air Force celebrated its 70th birthday in September and the Air Force Reserve prepares to celebrate its 70th in April, our Tenth Air Force lineage surpasses those dates and finds its roots in the Army Air Corps.
I’d like to focus this commentary on our heritage and more specifically, how we trace our lineage back to some of the most inspirational Airmen who have ever served.
Our fighters and bombers trace their lineage back to the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African Americans who devoted their lives to overcoming obstacles and serving their nation.
The 477th Fighter Group comes from the 477th Bombardment Group which was originally established May 13, 1943. It was re-established in Alaska at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson October 1, 2007 and currently flies the F-22.
The 44th Fighter Group is home to the 301st Fighter Squadron which also traces its roots back to the Army Air Corps. The 301st Fighter Squadron was created July 3, 1942.
Having these two units fall under Tenth Air Force is very important to me because they help show our past, and with both units flying the F-22, they are our future.
The Tuskegee Airmen personified courage, determination, dedication, and loyalty. They fought for what they believe in, around the world, and at home.
We honor their hard work and sacrifice, by keeping their unit designations and by ensuring all of our Tenth Air Force Reserve Citizen Airmen uphold the same standards.
We come from a rich heritage, thank you for what you do to keep it going into the future. You ensure Tenth Air Force will be, Always There and in turn so will the lineage of the Tuskegee Airmen.
And as always; Fights on!!!