News>AF Reserve announces force structure changes that could affect Westover
Photos
C5 Galaxies align on a Westover runway to make room for air show aircraft at Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass., Aug. 4, 2012. The 2012 Great New England Air Show was the largest Westover has had since 1974, boasting more than 60 aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kelly Galloway)
A Westover C-5 Galaxy waits on the flightline at Patrick Air Force Base, Cocoa Beach, Florida for the 439th loadmasters to begin loading on May 1, 2012. The C-5 Galaxy has been operated by USAF since 1969 and has been used to support U.S. military operations in all major contingencies including Vietnam, Iraq, Yugoslavia and Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/SrA. Kelly Galloway)
A C-5 from Westover Air Reserve Base, Chicopee, Mass., sits on the tarmac at Fort Carson Air Terminal Aug. 8, nearly blocking the mountain range in the background where Pikes Peak can be seen. More than 35 Westover reservists deployed to this Colorado Springs area, as the lead unit in the joint-service contingency response exercise, Patriot Express 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo by SrA. Kelly Galloway)
A C-5 Galaxy approaches Westover for landing over fall foliage colors on October 11, 2011. Six of Westover's C-5 transport jets and air crews with Westover's 337th Airlift Squadron participated in an Air Force-wide surge from October 17 to 21. (U.S. Air Force photo/SrA. Kelly Galloway)
1/24/2013 - WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. -- The Air Force Reserve Command announced force structure changes authorized by the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2013.
The changes include a proposed transfer of 8 C-5M aircraft from Westover ARB to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in 2016, contingent upon a Congressionally-mandated Mobility Requirements and Capabilities Study.
"Although this announcement could mean changes for Westover, it also underscores the essential role we play in national defense," said Col Steven Vautrain, 439th Airlift Wing Commander. "Under this announcement, the 439th remains operational and vital to military strategic airlift. We will notify the public when a final decision is made concerning the future number of aircraft and personnel at Westover."
Reserve Command officials announced nationwide changes, including 6 new intelligence and cyber-operations units, and aircraft and structure changes in another 9 units.
