CAFB history with new squadron

MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, Calif. – The 492nd Attack Squadron was recognized during an activation and assumption of command ceremony here May 10. During the ceremony, Col. Jeffery Patton, 49th Operations Group commander, awarded command of the 492nd ATKS to Lt. Col. Trevor Laribee. The new commander announced to the crowd that he is ready to lead the squadron and strengthen its MQ-9 Reaper mission. “We have maintenance, base operations support, medical and MQ-9 aircrew specialties on the same team,” said Laribee. “This diversity will help us meld the best operational and cultural practices across the total force teams.” One of the ways Laribee intends to support the mission is by enabling the 163rd Attack Wing to graduate 72 or more MQ-9 crews per year. The squadron has a rich heritage. It was initially organized as the 80th Aero Squadron in 1917 at Kelley Field, Texas. It moved in 1943 to Fort Worth Field, Texas, and the squadron flew B-29s from 1946-; B-36s from 1948-58, and B-52s from 1958-63 out of Columbus AFB, Miss., for the Strategic Air Command. The squadron lay dormant for nearly 60 years until April 15, when it was re-activated and designated the 492nd Attack Squadron at March ARB. (Source: Alamogordo Daily News 05/20/19) SIDEBAR NEWS: An armed F-16 fighter jet crashed into the See Water Inc. warehouse on approach to March ARB, Calif., on May 16 following a training mission. The pilot ejected and was not injured. A dozen people were sent to local hospitals for treatment of minor injuries. “The pilot was having hydraulic problems,” said base Deputy Fire Chief Timothy Holliday, and “started losing control of the aircraft.” The F-16, a part of the 114th Fighter Wing based in South Dakota, went down about 3:45 p.m. and crashed into the warehouse. Base commander Col. Melissa Coburn declined to describe the aircraft’s armament, reported the Palm Springs Desert Sun. The jet pancaked the roof of the building causing a fire that triggered an on-site sprinkler system containing the flames. March is home to the 452nd Air Mobility Wing, an Air Force Reserve component that utilizes mammoth C-17 transports, KC-135 refueling aircraft and C-130 transports and the Air Force Reserve Command's 4th Air Force HQs. (Source: Palm Springs Desert Sun 05/19/19)