Eglin's 33rd Fighter Wing transitions to first F-35 training unit

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 33rd Fighter Wing transitioned from an operational F-15 unit to the first F-35 "Lightning II" Joint Strike Fighter training unit during a ceremony Oct. 1, here. 

Col. David Hlatky assumed command of Air Education and Training Command's newest wing whose mission is to safely and efficiently train pilots and maintainers for the fifth-generation fighter.

"American air dominance didn't get to where it is today by accident," Colonel Hlatky said. "Eglin is the right place (to continue that dominance) with its ranges."

Prior to the re-designation, the 33rd FW "Nomads" were assigned under Air Combat Command's 9th Air Force and was the largest tenant unit on Eglin.

Maj. Gen. Gregory Feest, 19th AF commander, talked about what was in store during the unit's next phase.

"Today begins a new chapter for the Nomads under AETC," General Feest said. "You will continue the air dominance legacy for the 33rd."

General Feest talked about how the work starts now for the wing even though the first F-35 doesn't arrive until August 2010. The first task is to stand up the operations and maintenance groups Oct. 2.

"We are AETC's newest joint and combined team," Colonel Hlatky said to the two flights of Airmen, Sailors and Marines that stood before him. "As the newest Nomads we selected you. You were chosen because of your unique capabilities and experience to be part of this new mission."

Quoting famed author Mark Twain, Colonel Hlatky said he was proud to be leading the first F-35 wing.

"Thunder is good, thunder is impressive; but it is 'lightning' that does the work."

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