A new squadron of F-22's are coming to Tyndall Air Force Base in the coming months. In October the base will turn its mission over from an Air Support and Education command to an Air Combat Command. However, changes are already on the way for the base.
With those changes just on the horizon the 43rd Fighter Squadron is turning over its command, carrying out what one colonel called a no slack, no fail mission.
Colonel Charles Corcoran is reminding everyone that to him the mission of air power is personal.
"While it takes machines like this to do the mission, at the end of the day its about the people without the people you cant get the job done," said Colonel Corcoran.
And while one mans job is done, another will take over as commander of the 43rd Fighter Squadron. Lieutenant Colonel Bradley Bird was in command of the 43rd during a 4 and a half month stand down during an investigation of the jet.
"He weathered that storm. He led the 43rd through that and they continued to produce air dominance warriors at max capacity," said Corcoran.
The F-22 was grounded because of hypoxia issues and the air force continues to investigate it's problems.
Colonel Bird handed over the hornets Gideon today to Lieutenant Colonel Travis Koch. The new commander also stands behind the Raptors capabilities.
"There is no doubt every time that we step to fly we are confident in systems and we are confident in the capabilities or folks wouldn't be doing that. Our leadership wouldn't be supporting us doing that."
And with the Tyndall change over within sight, Koch says the mission will be carried on.
"I think will be good not only for the local community, but especially for Tyndall Air Force base to be that much closer to the tip of the spear," said Colonel Koch.
"Good luck to you. Fights on," said Colonel Corcoran.
The new squadron of F-22 fighters are scheduled to arrive to the base in October from Holloman Air Force base in New Mexico.
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