Holloman's new chapter

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chase Cannon
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Since the beginning of its existence in the 1940s as the Alamogordo Army Air Field, Holloman Air Force Base has housed storied and historic aircraft such as the B-17 Fortress, the F-117 Nighthawk and the F-22 Raptor.

On April 1, 2014, a new page was added to the Holloman history books as the arrival of the first F-16 Fighting Falcon three-ship formation soared through the skies over the Tularosa Basin, finally landing
on the runway to their new home away from home.

The 54th Fighter Group, a tenant unit from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., was recently activated here at Holloman as a training unit for F-16 pilots.

"We are so happy to be a part of Team Holloman, and we are very thankful for the unwavering support from the community here," said Col. Rodney Petithomme, new 54th Fighter Group commander. "The Tularosa Basin will undoubtedly be a great fit for this new F-16 training mission, and we're looking forward to a great partnership between the 49th Wing and the 54th Fighter Group."

Attributable to the activation of the 54th Fighter Group, Holloman will grow by approximately 800 Airman, with the addition of over 50 aircraft by the end of 2015.

"The addition of the 54th Fighter Group is an exciting opportunity for the members of Team Holloman, and will allow for combat air power to start here," said Col. Andrew Croft, 49th Wing commander.