MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. – The 908th Airlift Wing, Alabama’s only Air Force Reserve wing, is in the middle of a complicated and multifaceted mission change, transitioning from a fixed-wing tactical airlift mission to a rotary-wing flight training unit for the Air Force’s newest platform, the technologically-advanced MH-139A Grey Wolf Helicopter. The last of the wing’s C-130H cargo aircraft departed for their new home on April 8, 2022, and the first of the new helicopters, which are currently in the testing phase of development, have an anticipated arrival date early in 2024. A total of 10 are scheduled to be delivered by the end of FY28.
Over Fiscal Year 2022, the wing spent $8.4 million on construction projects, including new facilities and renovations, and project another $30 million in FY23. The number of full- time employees at the wing, to include military personnel, government civilians and contractors, will increase 75% from 240 to 420, with an additional 150 pipeline aircrew students cycling through every year.
The annual economic impact the 908 AW will have on the local River Region of central Alabama, not including construction expenditures, is estimated to increase nearly 40% from $55 million to $75.5 million beginning in 2024.
All rights reserved, Gumptown Magazine, LLC. Copyright 2022.
