KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Col. Frank L. Amodeo, 403rd Wing commander, held his final commanders call at the Roberts Maintenance Facility Aug. 18 for air reserve technicians and civil service employees.
The event began with recognition of wing members who attended the new employee orientation course as well as those employees who received certificates for 10, 20 and 30 years of civil service.
The colonel then briefed the audience about changes in leadership, the future of the wing, and resources available to Airmen impacted by the devastating flooding in Louisiana.
“We are reaching out to the Airmen affected by this life-changing event to provide them support,” said Amodeo.
Tech. Sgt. Crystal Jones, 403rd Wing Airman and Family Readiness, handed out a list of available resources. She said boxes would be placed around the wing for personnel who would like to donate supplies and perishable goods to the families who lost their homes.
In addition to efforts to help fellow Airmen, Amodeo updated members about new leadership at Air Force Reserve Command and 22nd Air Force. Lt. Gen. Maryanne Miller assumed leadership of the Air Force Reserve Command July 15. She is the first female in the history of the Air Force Reserve to be Chief of the Air Force Reserve and commander of the Air Force Reserve Command. Maj. Gen. John Stokes took command of 22nd AF Aug. 8. The 403rd Wing is one of 16 units and the Hurricane Hunters are one of three special Department of Defense missions that are part of this numbered Air Force, one of three NAFs that report to AFRC.
“General Miller’s vision for the command is to protect our strength as a Reserve component, build for the fight for today, and shape the force for the future,” said Amodeo.
In reference to shaping the force, the colonel stressed the importance of the wing and its mission sets.
When Amodeo arrived three years ago, the wing was scheduled to lose aircraft and the 815th Airlift Squadron, a tactical airlift unit that transports supplies, equipment and personnel in a theater of operation. A 2015 report from the Secretary of the Air Force reversed that recommendation, beginning the programming and budgeting work to restore personnel and mission capability at Keesler.
“It’s been a tough road,” he said. “We’ve seen our friends leave, not because they wanted to but because of the uncertainty the wing has faced over the past few years.”
Today, the wing is adding missions.
The 815th AS is rebuilding, and the wing is gaining the 803rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 36th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron.
The 803rd AMXS, scheduled to activate during a ceremony Sept. 11, will be responsible for the inspection, repair, launch and recovery of the C-130Js flown by the 815th. The 36th AES is transferring to the wing in October. These specialized AE teams, which consist of a medical crew director, flight nurse, and three aeromedical evacuation technicians, routinely move critically ill or injured troops after they've been stabilized or received damage-control surgery.
The wing will focus on building the new units into premier organizations, he said.
The colonel closed his final commander’s call by emphasizing the important roll ARTs play in maintaining wing readiness. ARTs, full-time civilian employees who also serve in the Air Force Reserve, provide leadership, management and training support to keep the unit combat ready.
“It’s been an honor working with you,” said Amodeo, who departs at the end of the month to take command of the 927th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. “I appreciate what you do; not only are you making things happen day in and day out, but you find time to build in training and make sure our reservists are always ready to deploy.”