[MilCom] 23rd Fighter Group transfers to Moody

[Airshowfreak5 at aol.com]

23rd Fighter Group transfers to  Moody
by Wright Times  Staff Report
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
 
8/18/2006 - SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE,  N.C. -- The 23rd Fighter Group 
at Pope Air Force Base held a  realignment ceremony there today, which 
transferred them from the 4th Fighter  Wing to the 347th Rescue Wing at Moody AFB, Ga. 

This fighter group,  made up of A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, is scheduled to 
begin relocating to  Georgia in mid 2007. 

The realignment is the result of the 2005 base  realignment and closure plan 
and is designed, in part, to mitigate Air Force  hardship from the shrinking 
budget. 
"These changes will allow us to use our  resources more efficiently and 
effectively, while honoring the long and  distinguished heritage of the Flying 
Tigers," said Gen. Ronald Keys, Air Combat  Command commander. 

The A-10s of the 23rd FG carry the name and  heritage of the renowned Flying 
Tigers, which fought against the Japanese in  World War II. The unit earned 
fame by advancing tactically against Japan's  multiple successes early in the 
war. 

"We have always been proud to  have the Flying Tigers as part of the 4th FW. 
Their proud heritage and  outstanding combat record make them justifiably 
famous," said Col. Mike Holmes,  4th FW commander. "I'm particularly impressed 
with their determination to  succeed in any circumstances. We wish them well as 
they begin the BRAC-directed  move to Moody and regain the 23rd Wing heraldry. 
We'll miss them and continue to  root for them." 

To preserve the heritage of the Flying Tigers, the  347th RQW will deactivate 
and the 23rd Wing will activate in its place Oct. 1.  Moody will be the host 
base of the 23rd Wing, adopting the banner of the Flying  Tigers. -