USAF Expeditionary Center unites education and training mission under one school

Published Oct. 24, 2014
By Capt. Matthew Chism
USAF Expeditionary Center Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The 422nd Joint Tactics Squadron was deactivated and the Mobility Operations School was re-designated the 423rd Mobility Training Squadron during a combined ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Oct 22.

The United States Air Force Expeditionary Center united its education and training mission by placing the 423rd MTS with the 421st Combat Training Squadron under the oversight of the United States Air Force Expeditionary Operations School.

The 423rd MTS will carry on the mission sets of the MOS and 422nd JTS using personnel already assigned to the USAF EC.

Maj. Gen. Frederick H. Martin, USAF EC commander, said aligning the training squadrons under one school provides a platform for continued success.

"The Expeditionary Center is thrilled to continue on the path of innovation, advancement and world class excellence," Martin said. "The Expeditionary Center will continue to be the center of excellence for expeditionary and mobility training that the Air Force has come to expect over the years thanks to these leaders, commanders, and cadre."

Rudy Becker, former MOS director, said there is still plenty to accomplish in the advancement of training and education at the USAF EC.

"It is a privilege to lead any Air Force unit, a rare privilege to lead an Air Force unit throughout its entire life time, but it is a neat privilege to have served you during this time," Becker said. "Take care of the customer, take care of each other and inspire your new boss the way you inspired me."

After the MOS and the 422nd JTS cased their guidons, Lt. Col. William Wallis, former 422nd JTS commander, assumed command of the 423rd MTS.

"Combining similar mission sets allows for outstanding synergy between our formal forces, formal training detachments, all the experienced instructors and our team," Wallis said. "I am confident that this arrangement will serve us well as we march together as one organization. I could not ask for a better set of circumstances as I inherit a team of mature, skilled, experienced and battle tested Airmen."

Col. Jay Junkins, USAF EOS commander, said the reorganization defines and prepares the school for the future.

"This is truly an evolution for the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Operations School, producing a more comprehensive and agile organization capable of meeting the needs of our Air Force today and into the future," Junkins said. "We are now able to provide the warfighter a single school dedicated to the education and training of both general purpose and Mobility Air Forces personnel across the full range of expeditionary knowledge and skills. This is because of the innovation and leadership of the combined team of phenomenal Airmen, government service civilians and contractors who deliver nothing less than excellence every day."

The MOS and 422nd JTS, open since 2003 and 2010 respectively, are now part of a storied past at the USAF EC. First opened as the Air Mobility Warfare Center on May 1, 1994, the center operated 11 courses to serve as Air Mobility Command's single focal point for advanced education and training. Officially renamed the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center on March 4, 2007, the center was charged to be the Air Force's leader in expeditionary training. Today the USAF EC delivers over 90 courses and provides administrative control for six wings and two groups within AMC. The re-organization of units represents the latest change for the USAF EC, which celebrates its 20th year delivering "Airpower...from the ground up."