AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- The 31st Maintenance Group commemorated the deactivation of the 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS) and the activation of three new squadrons during the 31st MXG reorganization ceremony held at Aviano Air Base, Italy, May 26.
As of this ceremony, the 31st AMXS is officially reorganized into the 510th Fighter Generation Squadron led by Maj. Timothy Aanerud, 555th Fighter Generation Squadron led by Lt. Col. David Liberti and 56th Rescue Generation Squadron led by Capt. Casey Schindling.
The 31st AMXS was first activated in 1952 in Turner Air Force Base, Georgia, as the 31st Periodic Maintenance Squadron. Over the years, the 31st AMXS underwent several deactivations and reactivations, always coming back with a new name or at a new base. The 31st AMXS would go on to find its final name and home at Aviano AB on July 19, 2002.
No matter the name or location, the role of the 31st AMXS remained the same whenever it was active: provide outstanding aircraft maintenance support. They completed this mission with enthusiasm earning the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award seven times over the squadron’s lifetime.
“The 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron has achieved countless accolades in almost twenty years since it was established on July 19, 2002,” said Col. Jason Mitchell, 31st Maintenance Group commander. “To the 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintainers, remember your heritage, legacy and all the maintainers that have sacrificed and gone before you serving in Operation Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Inherent Resolve and Freedom’s Sentinel.”
Now the 510th FGS, 555th FGS, and 56th RGS will carry on the legacy of the 31st AMXS in their own respective squadrons. They will be creating new heraldry, emblems and mottos, but the same 31st AMXS spirit will persist in these new squadrons.
“While we will now refer to the organization as the Fighter Generation Squadron and Rescue Generation Squadron, it does not change our commitment to aircraft maintenance excellence or change what we do on a daily basis providing combat airpower to U.S. European Command and NATO as well as deterring our adversaries,” said Mitchell.
By reorganizing into generation squadrons, 31st MXG Airmen formerly assigned to the 31st AMXS will be able to work closely with their 31st Operations Group counterparts and focus on generating aircraft specifically for their fighter or rescue squadron.
“As we transition to the combat oriented maintenance organization, our new squadrons will foster increased unity of effort between the maintenance and operations group,” said Mitchell. “Our new organizational structure allows commanders to hone in on fleet readiness, resourcing and Airmen morale and discipline.”