DANNELLY FIELD, Ala. -- Capt. Robert Ivey assumed command of the 187th Maintenance Squadron in a formal ceremony here Oct. 6, 2019, in the wing auditorium.
Ivey’s previous assignment was at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., where he served as the aircraft maintenance unit officer in charge working on the F-35A Lightning II, the Air Force’s newest fighter jet.
“Coming from an F-35 unit, I’m hoping to make the wing’s transition (to the F-35) easier,” Ivey said. “I can’t believe the lineage we have here, and I’m so excited to keep it going.”
The 187th Fighter Wing is expecting to transition from its current F-16C+ Fighting Falcon aircraft to F-35A aircraft starting in 2023, pending a record of decision in April 2020. Ivey has experience leading maintenance for both aircraft, and wing leadership expressed confidence in his ability to lead the MXS into the future of the Alabama Air National Guard.
“He comes highly recommended,” Col. Brian Vaughn, 187th Fighter Wing vice commander said during the ceremony. “We know that he’s the right guy for the job, and we’re excited for him to be part of our stellar maintenance organization.”
As commander, Ivey will be responsible for 160+ personnel who work to maintain aerospace ground equipment, munitions, off-aircraft equipment and support equipment components. They perform on-equipment maintenance of aircraft and fabrication of parts, and they provide repair and calibration of test measurement and diagnostic equipment.