Det. 303, 495th FG stands up at Whiteman AFB

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Wesley Wright
  • 442 Fighter Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AFB, Mo. --  The 442nd Fighter Wing's active-duty associate unit, Detachment 2, 23rd Fighter Group, is scheduled to reorganize and stand up as Det. 303, 495th Fighter Group, March 8.

Lt. Col. Joshua B. Ruddell, 23rd FG, Det. 2 commander, is leading the reorganization on the ground here.

"One of the efforts the Air Force is going toward in Total Force Integration is combining organizations," he said. "They are moving us out from under Moody AFB, Ga., and putting us under this new group at Shaw AFB, S.C."

Ruddell said the new organization will deliver the same outstanding air power with a new, leaner structure.

"The benefit is a streamlining of efforts, whether it's policy or procedures, for how active-associates conduct business," he said. "As far as us doing our daily job here, there will be no change."

Being on an active-duty base will make the transition much easier, Ruddell said. "The detachment will be able to go to the 509th Bomb Wing for base operating
support while relying on the new chain of command through Shaw AFB for administrative support.

Ruddell said the reorganization could potentially save the government money.

"Streamlining means efficiency, which I think will save taxpayers' dollars," he said. "That's the goal. Additionally, we are going to be leveraging technology - using virtual briefs and meetings, sharing information that way. By cutting down on physical trips, this also saves money."

To for the transition, Ruddell said he and his team are busy getting all the pieces in place.

"We're making sure our roster is up to speed, making sure command and control will be in place from day one and we are working on our budget and spending plans now," he said. "We have wonderful resources here to work with here in the 509th BW and the 442nd FW."

The choice of 495th FG for the detachment is not coincidental. According to the Air Force Historical Research Agency, the 495th FG was originally established as the 495th Fighter Training Group, Oct. 9, 1943 and disbanded April 15, 1945. The 495th was picked over another FG, the 496th, due to its longer length of service.

With this rich history behind them, and the active-association reorganization ahead, the Airmen of Det. 303, 495th FG will continue to deliver outstanding airpower and Total Force Integration strength to the 442 FW.