Wing commanders outline mission growth, readiness priorities at Montgomery forum
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Three Air Force wing commanders outlined plans for fifth-generation fighter operations, helicopter aircrew training and growing installation requirements during the Montgomery Regional Chamber's Washington Brief Series on Oct. 8.
Col. Michael Gallucci, 42d Air Base Wing commander; Col. John Caldwell, 187th Fighter Wing commander; and Col. Shane Devlin, 908th Flying Training Wing commander, joined business and civic leaders at the RSA Activity Center to discuss their organizations' priorities for the coming years.
Montgomery Regional Chamber Chairman Robert Birmingham moderated the discussion, which covered mission growth, infrastructure, recruiting, retention and support for military families.
At Maxwell Air Force Base, Gallucci said the 42d Air Base Wing is preparing for additional requirements while continuing to support the installation's existing missions.
The wing provides installation support for Air University, the 908th Flying Training Wing, Officer Training School and more than 40 other mission partners at Maxwell and Gunter Annex.
A major part of that responsibility is supporting Air University's mission.
Operating as an integrated enterprise, Air University forges expert joint warfighters and solves operational problems for the Joint Force. Its schools, colleges and centers bring together professional military education, research and other programs to develop military leaders and address challenges facing the operational force.
The 42d Air Base Wing enables that work through installation security, facilities, infrastructure and services that support Air University's students, faculty and staff.
Gallucci said the installation is also preparing for anticipated growth at Officer Training School, which falls under the Air Force Accessions Center.
OTS is expected to increase officer production by about 1,000 over the next several years, he said. The projected growth would place additional demands on Maxwell's facilities and installation services.
The wing must also support Air University's student population, including officers attending Air War College and Air Command and Staff College.
Many spend about one academic year at Maxwell before moving to their next assignments, creating a steady cycle of students and families arriving and departing.
Gallucci said that turnover makes access to housing, schools, health care and other community services especially important.
He also discussed improvements along Washington Ferry Road and the Maxwell Capital Gateway project, citing both as examples of coordination between the installation and regional partners.
Gallucci pointed to the arrival of the F-35 Lightning II at Dannelly Field and the MH-139A Grey Wolf at Maxwell as examples of mission developments that required years of planning and coordination.
"This was not luck," Gallucci said. "You don't get weapons systems of this nature by luck."
At Dannelly Field, Caldwell said the 187th Fighter Wing is focused on developing the expertise needed to operate and maintain the F-35.
The Alabama Air National Guard wing continues building experience with the fifth-generation fighter. Caldwell said he wants its Airmen to contribute to how the Air Force employs the aircraft as new capabilities become available.
He also discussed possible infrastructure requirements, including additional ramp space and fuel capacity, along with future developments involving collaborative combat aircraft.
While those possibilities are part of the wing's longer-term planning, Caldwell said recruiting and retaining qualified personnel remain immediate priorities.
The 187th is about 98% manned, he said, but continues recruiting for positions requiring specialized technical skills.
Caldwell encouraged community leaders to consider educational opportunities that could help prospective recruits meet military entrance standards and prepare for technical career fields.
He also emphasized the time required to develop experienced pilots, maintainers and support personnel.
"It's easier to replace an airplane than it is to build experience," Caldwell said.
Keeping those Airmen involves more than their work on the flight line.
Caldwell discussed how employment opportunities for spouses, schools and access to community services can influence whether military members remain in uniform.
He said the readiness of the 187th extends beyond the installation and depends in part on the community where its Airmen and families live.
At Maxwell, the 908th Flying Training Wing is preparing to begin formal training for MH-139A Grey Wolf aircrews.
Devlin said the wing expects its first students to begin training Jan. 12, 2027, with additional classes planned as the program develops.
The Grey Wolf supports security operations associated with the nation's intercontinental ballistic missile force. The 908th's training mission will prepare aircrews for those operational assignments.
Devlin said feedback from graduates and operational units will help the wing adjust instruction as the program develops.
He also discussed potential future requirements within the MH-139A program, including maintenance and additional training functions. Decisions about where those capabilities will be located haven't been finalized, he said.
The wing continues to maintain deployment responsibilities alongside its helicopter training mission.
Devlin said approximately two-thirds of the organization supports those requirements while the new training program takes shape.
The transition from C-130 Hercules operations to the Grey Wolf has brought changes for the wing's Airmen and families. Devlin thanked the community for supporting the organization throughout that process.
He also reported a 94% second-term retention rate among wing members.
The commanders spent part of the discussion addressing the services available to military families across the River Region.
Caldwell discussed challenges associated with school transfers, employment changes for spouses and establishing support networks after a move.
Devlin raised concerns about access to medical care and the importance of local health care facilities to military families.
Gallucci noted that Air University's student population presents a different challenge. Many families spend only one academic year in Montgomery, leaving a short time to settle in before moving to another assignment.
"We recruit Airmen and we retain families," Gallucci said.
For the 42d Air Base Wing, supporting those families is part of sustaining the installation's missions. Housing, installation services and the condition of facilities affect the personnel and organizations the wing supports.
The discussion also included Montgomery's recognition as a Great American Defense Community.
Caldwell encouraged local leaders to view the designation as a standard to maintain through continued support for military members and their families.
Gallucci said the recognition reflects the relationship between Maxwell and the surrounding community.
"We are part of the community. You are part of the community," he said.
Birmingham closed the forum by thanking the commanders and reaffirming the Chamber's commitment to supporting the region's military organizations and families.
The 187th is continuing to develop its F-35 mission, the 908th is preparing to train Grey Wolf aircrews, and the 42d Air Base Wing is planning for the installation support those missions and other organizations at Maxwell will require.
That includes enabling Air University's work to forge expert joint warfighters and solve operational problems for the Joint Force while preparing for additional training requirements across the installation.
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