The Global Strike deputy commander flies in Gray Wolf for the first time while visiting the 908th > 919th Special Operations Wing > Article Ad

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. —

U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command deputy commander Lt. Gen. Michael Lutton visited the 908th Flying Training Wing at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, Oct. 5, 2024.

The 908th FTW is in the midst of transitioning to the formal training unit for the MH-139A Gray Wolf helicopter, which is intended to replace the renewed fleet of UH-1N Huey helicopters primarily used to support operations, maintenance, security and Deployed to support AFGSC’s missile fields, establishing an important relationship between the wing and AFGSC.

Lutton began his visit to the squadron by meeting with senior members of the 908th Operations Group before receiving a crew briefing on a flight later that morning.

Lutton then went to the 908th Operations Support Squadron Flight Equipment Department, where he spoke with AFE members and received the necessary equipment for the flight.

He then arrived at the aircraft to watch crew members perform pre-flight checks and speak with some crew chiefs and other members of the 908th Maintenance Group, who had the opportunity to highlight their recent training and preparation to properly maintain the new aircraft.

That morning, Lutton boarded a U.S. Air Force MH-139A Gray Wolf helicopter for the first time with an all-reserve crew for a two-hour flight around central and southern Alabama.

Following his flight, the general met with 908th FTW commander Col. Christopher Lacouture and several other 908th OG members for lunch and a question-and-answer session about the unit’s transition to the MH-139A formal training unit Gray Wolf.

“General Lutton’s visit provided the Airmen of the 908th an opportunity to show him the progress we have made and demonstrate that we are on the right track to meet future AFGSC MH-139 aircrew training requirements to fulfill,” said Lacouture. “I really appreciate the time he took to visit the MH-139A FTU.”

Lutton concluded his visit to the wing with a tour of the newly completed buildings and those currently under construction or renovation.

“The MH-139A Gray Wolf will replace the venerable UH-1N Huey in our missile fields,” Lutton said. “These modernization efforts have taken years. The professionals at Air Force Global Strike Command and the 908th Flying Training Wing achieve success every day to ensure initial and full operational capabilities are achieved.”