Total Force Integration C-130 operations facility breaks ground at Peterson

  • Published
  • By Ann Skarban
  • 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  After two years of planning and successful progress integrating Air Force Reserve and Active Duty C-130 operations, a ground breaking ceremony for a new Total Force Integration C-130 squadron operations facility was held here Feb. 14.

The $5.6 million, 12,500 square foot facility will become the center piece of the Air Force Reserve Command and Air Mobility Command's new Total Force Integration campus at Peterson AFB and will provide the required operational work space for the active duty's 52nd Airlift Squadron and the Air Force Reserve's 731st Airlift Squadron. The active duty's C-130 airlift squadron, assigned to the 19th Airlift Wing located at Little Rock AFB, Ark., associated with the Air Force Reserve's 302nd Airlift Wing stationed at Peterson AFB in October of 2009 as part of the Air Force's Total Force Integration initiative.

"In 2009 a partnership was formed between the active duty's 52nd Airlift Squadron and the Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing. We've seen a successful integration with our flying operations, aircraft maintenance and in our aerial port. The only missing piece begins tomorrow with the start of construction which will improve our efficiencies," said Col. Jay Pittman, commander of the 302nd Airlift Wing during his remarks at the ground breaking ceremony.

This TFI allows the associated active duty and Reserve units to share facilities and C-130 aircraft while performing both training and real-world airlift and airdrop missions. Since their arrival to Peterson AFB, the active duty members have been using temporary facilities on base and sharing office space with the Air Force Reserve's 731st Airlift Squadron and 302nd Maintenance Group.

"This is one of the best functional designs that will bring together the experience of the reserve with the young energy of the active duty," said Lt. Col. Carlos Ortiz, commander of the 52nd Airlift Squadron.

The 52nd AS, whose mission is to provide mission ready aircrews, aircraft maintainers and support personnel to deploy combat airlift forces, is expected to reach full operational capabilities in October 2011 and will employ approximately 200 active duty Airmen.

Construction on the facility is expected to be complete in early 2012 and it will be located at the front of the 302nd Airlift Wing, Air Force Reserve campus at Peterson AFB.

 

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