563rd Maintenance Squadron Re-Designated as 923rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

  • Published
  • By Capt. Vaughan Whited
  • 923rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  During the 2009 Maintenance Professional of the Year banquet, held March 20 at the Pima Air and Space Museum, the 563rd Maintenance Squadron was re-designated the 923rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

This was done to better align the squadron as an aircraft maintenance unit.

The 923rd is the sister unit to two others, the 763rd Maintenance Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., and the 723rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. They all fall under the parent organization of the 23rd Maintenance Group, known as the "Flying Tigers," at Moody Air Force Base.

During the banquet, Maj. Chad Holt, transitioned from commanding the 563rd to commanding the 923rd, as he accepted the historic guidon from 23rd Maintenance Group Commander, Col. Neal Robinson.

The 563rd Maintenance Squadron carries into retirement a strong legacy of providing safe and reliable aircraft anytime and anywhere, providing world class personal recovery and rescue efforts.

The 289 person squadron boasts numerous accomplishments to include earning the 23rd Wing's 2007 Maintenance Effectiveness Award and 2006 Air Force Outstanding Unit award. In addition, the unit has deployed HH-60G "Pave Hawks," HC-130P "Combat Kings," HC-130E "Hercules" aircraft and personnel to Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, Iraq, Chile, Haiti and has supported Hurricane Katrina flood victims in New Orleans, La.

The 923rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's lineage reaches back to Atterbury Air Force Base, Ind., when it was formed on August 14, 1951. The squadron was activated for 10 months when it was re-designated as the 923rd Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron on October 22, 1984.

"We are excited about what the future holds for the new squadron." said Major Holt. "As in the past, the team is strong, prepared, and willing to attack any challenge sent its way."

The motto, "These things we do that others may live" is the genesis of the unit's existence and bears the foundation of each maintainer's desire to deliver aircraft and resources to the fight on time, every time.