TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The U.S. Air Force activated the 325th Munitions Squadron within the 325th Fighter Wing effective June 29, 2021.
Maj. Justin Cassidy assumed command of the 325th MUNS, along with more than 80 personnel and $275 million in munitions. The creation of the squadron is in line with the Chief of Staff of the Air Force’s action order “Accelerate Change or Lose” in order to better support the mission of projecting unrivaled combat airpower.
“The activation will streamline our efforts to support the 325th FW, the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group, and other mission partners,” said Cassidy. “In the last two years, Air Combat Command has activated five munitions squadrons as they move towards providing better support to Agile Combat Employments. The activation and elevation of the munitions flight to a squadron mirrors the criticality of the munitions supply in a near-peer fight.”
The 325th MUNS provides the 325th Maintenance Group with the maintenance, accountability, and serviceability of the wing’s munition stockpile. This is done in support of all aircraft at Tyndall during its several exercises, such as Checkered Flag, Agile Flag, and Weapons Systems Evaluation Program.
Additionally, they provide munitions support to meet the requirements of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, Weapons Instructor Course, Air Force Civil Engineer Center, Air Force Research Lab, and the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center.
“Prior to the activation the munitions personnel were a flight under the 325th Maintenance Squadron,” Cassidy said. “Our goals are to continue to provide a superior level of munitions support to our many customers in or around Tyndall. As we move forward, we will continue to support and push for innovation in how we can better support the wing and the Air Force in bringing munitions to the fight.”
With the 325th MUNS having their own mission, they can be laser focused on their primary duty of managing, handling, and storage of munitions and explosives.
“The activation of the squadron allows the munition experts to focus on munition activities,” said Cassidy. “The addition of key personnel allows subject matter experts to further advocate for our unique mission, more personnel to care for our munition's experts, and an opportunity to drive the munitions community forward, faster.”