433rd Airlift Wing News

New Chapter for 433rd CR: Flight Transitions to Squadron

Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 19:56:56 GMT

The 433rd Contingency Response Flight marked a historic milestone as it was officially redesignated to the 433rd Contingency Response Squadron during a ceremony here Sept. 6. The redesignation, effective Sept. 1, elevates the unit from flight to squadron status, formally recognizing years of growth, transformation, and operational success. “In 2014, this was a small, under-resourced flight,” said Lt. Col. Michael Medrano, 433rd Operations Group interim commander, who presided over the ceremony. “To see what you’ve become now – twice as large, with more specialties, and still as motivated as ever – it’s an honor to witness this transition.”

Capt. Bean Assumes Command of the 433rd Security Forces Squadron

Staff Sgt. Brittany Wich — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 21:19:22 GMT

Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas - Capt. Scott Bean accepted command of the 433rd Security Forces Squadron during an assumption of command ceremony here Sept. 6. Col. Jeremy Patrick, 433rd Mission Support Group commander, presided over the ceremony and presented the 433rd SFS guidon to Bean, symbolizing the transfer of authority.

40,000 Miles for 40,000 Lives: 960th Cyberspace Wing Helms Fifth Annual Suicide Prevention Run

Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:25:19 GMT

Every September, the Air Force joins the nation in observing Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. For the 960th Cyberspace Wing, this year marks the fifth anniversary of a tradition that has grown from a small 5K to a wing-wide challenge with life-saving meaning. The goal: collectively walk or run 40,000 miles during the month of September. This is not an arbitrary number. It is deliberate and intended to bring awareness to a public health crisis. This number symbolizes the estimated 40,000 Americans who die by suicide every year.

433rd MDG Airmen Hone Mass-Casualty Response Skills

Julian Hernandez — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 17:56:00 GMT

433rd Medical Group Reserve Airmen participated in a mass-casualty response training event Sep. 6, 2025, at Camp Bramble, located on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

Staff Sgt. Lindsey Neubauer: The American Legion’s Spirit of Service Award

Technical Sgt. Melissa Estevez — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 23:05:00 GMT

Staff Sgt. Lindsey Neubauer, 433rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron, was presented the Spirit of Service Award by the American Legion, during the 433rd Medical Group’s commander’s call, Aug. 2, 2025. Representatives from multiple American Legion posts across Bexar County attended the ceremony to recognize Neubauer’s exceptional military service and volunteerism.

Never Forgotten: BRAVO-12 Airmen Honored 35 years After Deadly C-5 Crash

Julian Hernandez — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 17:43:00 GMT

On the 35th anniversary of the tragedy that claimed the lives of nine 433rd Military Airlift Wing Airmen, the 68th Airlift Squadron hosted a remembrance and wreath-laying ceremony to honor the memory of the BRAVO-12 crew.

FBI Citizens Academy Class Tours 433rd AW, Gains Insight Into Airlift Mission

Julian Hernandez — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 19:38:00 GMT

More than two dozen participants in the FBI San Antonio Citizens Academy visited the 433rd Airlift Wing Aug. 5, 2025, for a mission briefing and tour of the C-5M Super Galaxy.

Col. Egbalic Assumes Command of 433rd Maintenance Group

Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis and Staff Sgt. Adriana Barrientos — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 20:36:12 GMT

Col. Michael H.M. Egbalic assumed command of the 433rd Maintenance Group during a ceremony at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy Auditorium, Aug. 2. Col. Douglas C. Jeffrey, IV, 433rd Airlift Wing commander, officiated the ceremony and passed the group guidon to Egbalic, symbolizing the official transfer of authority and responsibility. “You are the ones that make this mission happen, across the board,” Jeffrey told Airmen during the event. “He is the type of man, the type of colonel, that backs up his words with his actions. I’m excited about the future of the wing and what we’re going to be doing because of you. I’m entrusting you to make sure that we are ready to go.” Egbalic expressed appreciation for the opportunity to lead the group’s Airmen as they execute aircraft maintenance operations crucial to the 433rd AW’s strategic airlift mission. “I’m excited to take command of this awesome group and be a teammate of the Alamo Wing, helping the 433rd propel new mission objectives and initiatives to the next level,” he said. “I can’t do that without the men and women of the 433rd Maintenance Group. My promise to you is this — I promise to be bold and caring for our Airmen and your families, I promise to be brave in supporting your disciplined maintenance efforts which keep these birds safely in the air, and I promise to be courageous leading you from the front and meeting our nation’s needs. It’s an honor to be your commander.” The 433rd Maintenance Group is responsible for maintaining the wing’s fleet of C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft, ensuring safe, reliable and mission-ready assets to support global deployment and combat operations. The group’s Airmen provide aircraft maintenance, repair, inspection and launch support, enabling the 433rd AW to deliver strategic capabilities worldwide. Egbalic’s assumption of command marks the next chapter of leadership for the 433rd MXG as it continues to generate combat-ready aircraft and maintenance professionals in support of national defense.

Total Force Medevac Training: Air Force Reservists Join Army OPERATION DUSTOFF VIGILANCE 2025

Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis and Mr. Julian Hernandez — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 15:33:59 GMT

More than 100 personnel from across the Total Force participated in OPERATION DUSTOFF VIGILANCE 2025, a Texas Army National Guard-led personnel recovery, survival, evasion, resistance, and escape, and medical evacuation aircrew training event held here July 16. The mission centered on UH-60 Black Hawk operations and offered realistic medevac and aircrew training for Texas Army National Guard flight crews. It also brought together a wide range of joint mission partners, including Air Force Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 26th and 74th Aerial Port Squadrons—both part of the 433rd Airlift Wing—along with Airmen and Soldiers from the 802nd Security Forces Squadron, 502nd Force Support Group, 343rd Training Squadron, 902nd Civil Engineer Squadron.

Historic Flyover: 433rd AW C-5M Becomes First Military Aircraft to Ceremonially Pass Over Toyota Field

Julian Hernandez — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 13:45:38 GMT

Fans at Toyota Field turned their eyes to the sky Saturday night as a C-5M Super Galaxy from the 433rd Airlift Wing soared overhead in a powerful display of airpower and patriotism, kicking off San Antonio FC’s Military Appreciation Night matchup against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

433rd AW revives Jeep Chief tradition with mentorship and legacy at the forefront

Julian Hernandez — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 04:49:00 GMT

Members of the 433rd Airlift Wing’s senior enlisted corps gathered in the Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron building on July 12 to revive a time-honored Air Force tradition — the minting of a “Jeep Chief.”

Col. Bailey Takes Command of 433rd AES, Focuses on Readiness and Mentorship

Julian Hernandez — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 18:31:42 GMT

Col. David Bailey assumed command of the 433rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron during a ceremony at the 68th Airlift Squadron auditorium held July 12, 2025.

Behind the Scenes of SS25: How an Air Force Reserve C-5M Ended Up in the Western Hemisphere’s Largest Special Forces Training Exercise

Julian Hernandez — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 17:22:00 GMT

U.S. Air Force Capt. Mike Lane, lead planner for the 433rd AW's participation in Southern Star '25, provided an inside look at the exercise's challenges and triumphs.

433rd AW Delivers Lethality, Enhances Readiness Through Strategic Support to Southern Star ’25

Julian Hernandez — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 18:58:27 GMT

433rd Airlift Wing Citizen Airmen sharpened their combat readiness and reinforced global partnerships during Exercise Southern Star ’25, a multinational special operations exercise held across Chile from May 26 to June 8. Operating the C-5M Super Galaxy, the largest aircraft in the U.S. Air Force inventory, Alamo Wing aircrews provided critical airlift support to enable training for more than 2,700 personnel from six nations and 10 observing countries. From executing tactical offloads with Marine Raiders near Antofagasta to coordinating with Chilean F-16s in a defensive counter-air sortie, 433rd AW Airmen were integrated into every phase of Southern Star’s joint exercise mission.

Alamo Wing Inducts 8 Honorary Commanders, Bolsters ‘Military City USA’ Bond

Tech. Sgt. Melissa Estevez — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 14:48:41 GMT

The 433rd Airlift Wing inducted eight new honorary commanders during an induction ceremony June 7, 2025. During the ceremony, honorary commanders received an Air Force commander’s insignia pin from their assigned unit commander. Each honorary commander was paired with leaders within the wing to learn about the various missions of the 433rd Airlift Wing. The honorary commander program fosters a supportive relationship with the community by increasing military involvement in civic endeavors and making local members part of the Alamo Wing family.

Brigadier General Filler Visits Total Force Defenders at the Alamo Wing

Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 16:29:54 GMT

Brig. Gen. Brian A. Filler, Director of Security Forces, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, visited the 433rd Security Forces Squadron on May 3 meeting with Citizen Airmen and neighboring defenders from the Texas Air National Guard’s 149th Fighter Wing. He praised 433rd AW and 149th FW defenders’ ability to train as Citizen Airmen and be ready to deploy. The general also highlighted the importance of their work in supporting the Air Force's operations in new strategic environments. “You are my main priority,” said Filler to 433rd SFS Citizen Airmen, and 149th SFS Guardsmen. “I’m here not only to share things from the Pentagon, but equally as important, I’m here learning from you all too.” Filler added, “I've asked my entire staff to focus on making sure you have what you need to be successful–whether that's training, support from medical, additional equipment, and any other efforts you may need to deploy and go into combat. Ultimately, I need to learn from across the total force.” Filler discussed some of last year’s changes to the Air Force, including how defenders can utilize unmanned aircraft systems down range, emerging cyber warfare strategy and tactics, utilizing night vision devices, and other technologies designed to transform Airmen’s ability to execute the mission

U.S. Embassy Personnel Meet With 433rd AW Southern Star Participants

Julian Hernandez — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 18:44:54 GMT

Several dozen personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Chile and their families met with 433rd Airlift Wing Citizen Airmen participating in Exercise Southern Star ‘25 during a C-5M Super Galaxy tour at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Santiago, Chile

Air Force Reservist Honored with Life-Changing Gift for Her Service, Sacrifice, and Resilience

Julian Hernandez — Thu, 22 May 2025 19:12:00 GMT

For Tech. Sgt. Martha Rodriguez, resilience isn’t a choice. It’s a daily way of life, woven into the fabric of both her Air Force uniform and the routines of motherhood, particularly in raising her youngest daughter, Jewel, who was born with a rare and incurable genetic disorder.

Alamo Wing Reservist Brings Mental Health Expertise to Kunsan Air Base

Senior Airman Karissa Dick — Tue, 20 May 2025 07:36:00 GMT

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Aaron Gibson, an approachable leader with a warm smile, served 11 years in the U.S. Air Force as an active-duty mental health technician. With proud Southern roots that encourage Gibson’s love for conversation and a personality that thrives off getting to know others, mental health became a calling that he truly embraced at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea.

Texas, Delaware Airmen Team Up for C-5M Super Galaxy Maintenance

Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis — Mon, 05 May 2025 22:41:10 GMT

Citizen Airmen from the 512th Airlift Wing worked alongside 433rd Maintenance Group maintainers from April 21 and May 3 here. The maintainers collaborated to expedite critical maitenance work on essential C-5M Super Galaxy components including maintenance on landing gear, tire and wheel maintenance, structural inspections, hydraulics, engine repair, reviewed diagnostic systems, and electrical avionic system updates. “The reception from the 433rd has been welcoming and very helpful in establishing a collaborative environment,” said Col. Rick Kuehn, 512th AW deputy wing commander. “We appreciate the opportunity to learn together,” Kuehn said. “No matter how good you think you are, there is something to learn from the other team. We are exchanging techniques, procedures, and improving readiness.”