Several Air Force Reserve Command units in classic associations with active duty fighter wings will adopt new roles as USAF introduces the F-35A and realigns its F-22s. AFRC’s 419th Fighter Wing will continue its partnership with the active duty 388th FW at Hill AFB, Utah, as the latter switches from F-16s to F-35s in 2013. AFRC’s 944th FW will similarly be a part of the new F-35 schoolhouse at Luke AFB, Ariz. Luke is shedding two of its four F-16 squadrons to make room. The Reservists at Luke will also continue to support the two remaining F-16 squadrons. Meanwhile, the two F-16 units leaving Luke are headed to Holloman AFB, N.M., which is losing its F-22s. Reservists from the Holloman’s 44th Fighter Group will remain at Holloman to help operate those F-16s, together with some members of the 944th FW who are transferring from Luke. (Robins release)
The Air Force overall reduced its size by 120 aircraft in fiscal year 2021, but kept about the same number of fighter, bomber and attack aircraft, according to data supplied by the service. The F-35 fleet saw the biggest increase while the B-1B bomber fleet saw the largest decline.