Rachael Beasley

The 56th Mission Support Group (56 MSG) is a vital component of the 56th Fighter Wing, based at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The unit traces its lineage to prior support organizations associated with the 56th Fighter operations, providing essential mission support since the wing’s arrival at Luke in 1994. The 56 MSG delivers a broad range of services, including civil engineering, security forces, communications, logistics, and personnel support, directly enabling the wing’s pilot training and operational readiness missions. Throughout its history, the 56 MSG has played a crucial role in supporting the world’s largest fighter wing, ensuring the effective training and deployment of combat-ready airmen.

33rd Fighter Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 33rd Fighter Wing is a United States Air Force unit based at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. It serves as the primary training unit for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, providing instruction to both Air Force and international partner pilots. Additionally, the wing is responsible for conducting operational testing and evaluation of the F-35 aircraft. The 33rd Fighter Wing plays a critical role in ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of the U.S. military's most advanced fighter aircraft.

The 728th Tactical Control Squadron (TCS) was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Cold War era. Established in the late 1950s, the squadron’s primary mission was to provide tactical air control and radar surveillance for air operations, supporting both air defense and ground forces. The 728th TCS was stationed at various locations, including Germany and other European bases, to bolster NATO’s air defense network during periods of heightened tension. The unit was eventually inactivated as advances in technology and restructuring of air control operations rendered its mission obsolete.

AFCENT, short for Allied Forces Central Europe, was established in August 1953 as a key NATO military headquarters responsible for the defense of Central Europe during the Cold War. Initially located in Fontainebleau, France, the headquarters was moved to Brunssum, the Netherlands, in 1967 following France’s withdrawal from NATO’s integrated military command. AFCENT coordinated multinational land and air forces from member nations, playing a crucial role in the planning and execution of collective defense strategies. In 2000, AFCENT was redesignated as Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum, reflecting NATO’s shift to a more flexible, joint operational structure.