The first three F-16s assigned to the newly minted 54th Fighter Group at Holloman AFB, N.M., arrived to begin standing up the new F-16 Formal Training Unit there. The fighters touched down in April 1, according to a base release. Overall, Holloman is slated to receive 55 F-16s by October 2015, most of which will transfer directly from Luke AFB, Ariz., according to the group’s webpage. Transferring the two F-16 squadrons from Luke replaces Holloman’s former F-22 mission and frees up needed space at Luke. “The change in mission to the F-35A [training] at Luke requires new construction in some of the existing F-16 Aircraft Maintenance Unit space,” explained Lt. Col. Scott Frederick, commander of Holloman’s 311th Fighter Squadron in a release. The recently activated squadron falls under the 54th FG. In addition to it, Holloman officials plan to stand up a second flying squadron once assets arrive. A total of 917 personnel are transferring from Luke, plus there will be 23 new positions created at Holloman.
Earlier this week, the People’s Republic of China confirmed it is halting its nuclear arms control talks with the U.S., in retaliation for the U.S. continuing to sell arms to Taiwan. The move reinforces a “pattern of behavior” from Beijing, experts say.