LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- A change of command ceremony for the 944th Maintenance Squadron was held here Aug. 4, 2019.
After serving as commander for almost two years, Maj. Erica Lowe relinquished command to Maj. Salvadore Flores.
“Maj. Erica Lowe was one of the original pioneers and was the ideal leader to take on the role of standing up the 944th MXS,” said Col. Scott Briese, 944th Maintenance Group commander.
The 944th MXG along with the 944th MXS and 944th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, was reactivated in 2018, after almost 12 years of being inactive.
“At that snapshot in time, [the 944th MXS] had 76 full time members and 130 traditional reservists,” said Briese. “In under two years, the 944th MXG has grown to 150 full time members and 274 traditional reservists.”
Briese praised Lowe and Flores for their leadership and efforts along with the Airmen from both the 56th and 944th Fighter Wing’s who contributed to making the 1K Maintenance Group the 2018 General Mark A. Welsh III One Air Force Winner for Air Education and Training Command.
“While the search for a capable replacement to progress the Total Force Integration and evolve programs to the next level was a challenge, Maj. Salvadore Flores stood out,” said Briese. “I look forward to Maj. Flores taking the squadron covering eight different career fields to the next level of high performance.”
Flores was previously the 944th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Operations Officer.
“I want to continue the legacy that has been established,” said Flores. “I want to also create our own legacy with the new aircraft, the F-35, and keep building our 1K maintenance. Give them hell.”