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HILL AIR FORCE BASE — The tone of the ceremonies was triumphant Friday as military leaders resurrected a once-defunct U.S. Air Force Squadron to execute what is being called a pioneering role in advancing American combat flying.
The Utah-based 34th Fighter Squadron, which closed in 2010 during a restructuring of the Air Force, returned to service Friday and will be the first unit in the Air Force to fly the military's new combat-ready F-35A fighter jets.
The 34th Fighter Squadron's new commander, Lt. Colonel George Watkins, told hundreds of Air Force personnel and visitors at the activation ceremony at Hill Air Force Base that his unit will rise and meet its unique responsibility.
"This is more than just a job," Watkins said. "This is our passion for America and passion for the Air Force."
Watkins, who flew 840 hours' worth of combat missions in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya over the course of four deployments, told reporters that the squadron's reactivation "has got to be one of the proudest days of my career."
"It's exciting. It's going to be an incredible advance (in) our capability," he said about the F-35A technology. "After flying the plane myself, I have no doubt it's going to be awesome."
Watkins touted the track record of the 34th Fighter Squadron, which was created in 1944 and was the first Air Force unit to fly F-16s when they were introduced in 1979.
"The Rams are back," he said to loud applause, referencing the squadron's mascot.
Watkins said he needed to use aircraft provided by the 34th Fighter Squadron in Afghanistan in 2010 when the unit he belonged to at the time hadn't received their own equipment. The individual missions Watkins flew were complicated by bad weather, rugged terrain and heavy ground fighting, he said.
Stacie Scott/Deseret News
If he knew the history of the squadron when completing those flights, according to Watkins, "I would have had more confidence flying at the time."
The 34th Fighter Squadron belongs to the Hill Air Force Base's 388th Fighter Wing, which is commanded by Col. David B. "Brad" Lyons. Lyons commanded the squadron when it was closed in 2010 and said he was grateful to be back on base for its reactivation.
"All I know is somebody somewhere had the good sense to return the Rams to duty," said Lyons, who later told reporters the decision to close the squadron was the result of a complex policy decision made well above his rank. "Seeing the squadron shuttered at that moment (in 2010) was heartbreaking, but it was comforting to know we were not alone in that sentiment."
Stacie Scott/Deseret News
Lyons gave remarks at the reactivation ceremony and offered high praise for Watkins' leadership abilities.
"He's an unconditional expert in tactical aviation, but he's just as good with people," he said. "He's not scared to roll up his sleeves with his airmen."
Lyons also expressed unreserved confidence in the F-35A aircraft line, the latest U.S. military fighter jet to be introduced into service.
"It's like flying the future," Lyons said.
The 34th Fighter Squadron will eventually operate about 35 to 40 of the F-35As, with the first wave of the new fighter jets scheduled to arrive in August.
