MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFNS) —
Maxwell Air Drive Base marked a historic second Dec. 6, with the activation of the twenty fourth Helicopter Squadron.
Presiding official for the activation ceremony and assumption of command, Col. Lane Cook dinner, 58th Operations Group commander, took a couple of minutes to debate the significance of the ceremony.
“I’m going to step again in time to set the stage for why at present’s ceremony is so vital,” Cook dinner stated. “Seventy-two years in the past, the U.S. Military recognized a necessity for a lightweight utility helicopter, and in 1964, the Air Drive adopted swimsuit. Now after 60 years of service we’re taking the subsequent step within the evolution of Air Drive rotary wing operations.”
The twenty fourth HS’s story started in December 1939 because the twenty fourth Bombardment Squadron (Gentle), established at Maxwell Subject. Over its decades-long historical past, the squadron developed via roles as a reconnaissance unit, a tactical air help squadron, and a particular operations squadron, contributing to missions in World Struggle II’s China-Burma-India Theater and past.
In 2020, the squadron was deactivated, however its heritage endured.
“The twenty fourth has a deep and historic legacy, making it the right selection to guide this new chapter in rotary wing operations,” Cook dinner stated. “I’m assured that no different base might match the historic significance and ideal working setting for the 908th Flying Coaching Wing and the twenty fourth HS to thrive and develop Gray Wolf crews properly into the longer term.”
Bringing the twenty fourth’s heritage full circle again to Maxwell AFB has generated a way of delight and pleasure amongst squadron members, and for brand spanking new squadron commander, Lt. Col. Derek Cumbie, this historical past is a driving power.
“Taking over this new identification anchors us via the large modifications. Lately, we’ve gone from a hard and fast wing C-130 to a rotary wing MH-139, and from a tactical airlift mission to a flying coaching mission,” he stated. “We’ve additionally gone from solely Reserve solely, the place there was no affiliation, to now having an active-duty related companion, which is the twenty fourth Helicopter Squadron. Our identification has modified to suit the calls for of the mission, and the coaching mission is true across the nook.”
Within the subsequent 18 months, the squadron will welcome its first cohort of scholars for the MH-139A Gray Wolf helicopter, the place they’ll construct on foundational abilities realized in primary helicopter programs, refining them into mission-ready capabilities focuses on advanced operational situations, together with evening landings, low-altitude maneuvers and precision focusing on.
Working a helicopter coaching unit is extra than simply flying helicopters Cumbie defined.
“I’m going to step away from the talking podium and be a bit little bit of an teacher at present,” he stated. “I see we have now some younger faces within the room, and perhaps some folks don’t know what all is concerned with a helicopter coaching unit. It’s about flying a multi-million-dollar plane at 50 toes above treetops, touchdown in unlit fields on moonless nights, and making certain that our group is able to defend our nation’s strategic property.”
The activation of the twenty fourth HS indicators not solely a brand new chapter for Maxwell AFB but additionally a renewed dedication to the Air Drive’s mission. With its historic roots and future-focused coaching program, the squadron is poised to make a long-lasting impression on rotary wing operations.
“As we mirror on our heritage and snatch our new identification and look to the way forward for our mission, I do know you’re prepared,” he stated. “This mission is not any small activity, and it requires a group method. We’re right here to coach college students and help the overall power integration, however we’re additionally right here to guide. We’ve a singular alternative to make our mark and affect this [formal training unit] and our MH-139 group for years to return. Let’s use our affect and let’s make this a hit.”
Senior Airman Erica Webster, 908th Flying Coaching Wing Public Affairs
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