Tuesday, October 15, 2013

New F-22 squadron named

Mr. Bones, mascot of the 95th
Air Force photo
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The base's new F-22 Raptor squadron was officially named the 95th Fighter Squadron Oct. 11. The 95th FS was the leading squadron at Tyndall for three decades and is easily identified by its symbolic mascot, Mr. Bones, a skeleton with a top hat and cane, adorning the unit patch. The unit is currently preparing for the transfer of 24 F-22s and more than 1,100 positions to the base. The additional F-22s bring the total number of the fighters to more than 50, the largest contingent of F-22s at one location. Aircraft for the new squadron will start arriving in early 2014, but opening the 95th FS for business early allows for the bed-down of incoming personnel. The squadron has started receiving an average of 50 to 60 personnel per month and will continue to do so for the next several months. The F-22 arrived at Tyndall 10 years ago with the mission of training pilots on the first fifth-generation air dominance platform. The new squadron's arrival will take Tyndall air power directly into a combat role. (Source: 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, 10/08/13)