Unique 48th Fighter Wing team drives mission, innovation for munition operations Published Oct. 15, 2024 By Airman 1st Class Alexander Vasquez 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs RAF LAKENHEATH, England -- Recognizing the increasing importance of technology, project management, and inter-squadron collaboration, the 48th Maintenance Group established the 48th Munitions Squadron futures flight. The futures flight has spent the last two years bridging gaps and introducing efficiencies across the squadron’s various tasks by focusing on innovative solutions for mechanical, technological and logistical challenges. “It is vital to have someone dedicated to working with technological devices to ensure the squadron's ability to enhance the use of the facilities, software, and technology that we have to use everyday,” said Senior Airman Mace Kucej, 48th MUNS futures flight technician. U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matthew Raab, 48th Munitions Squadron futures flight section chief, prepares to work on fire escape methods at RAF Lakenheath, England, July 30, 2024. The futures flight is responsible for the modernization of 48th MUNS, which includes the maintenance of technologies and facilities across the squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexander Vasquez) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res With digital infrastructure becoming more and more critical to mission success, the futures flight focuses on creating and implementing streamlined systems that allow Airmen to complete their tasks more efficiently. The flight ensures that technology upgrades align with the overall needs of the squadron and the broader goals of the Liberty Wing, emphasizing effectiveness in innovative pursuits. The futures flight believes networking both within the installation and across the Air Force to be key in their success as a unit. This collaborative approach ensures that the flight can facilitate the completion of projects by engaging the right expertise and resources from across the base. A computer waiting to be fixed by the 48th Munitions Squadron futures flight sits on a desk at RAF Lakenheath, England, July 30, 2024. The futures flight is responsible for the modernization of 48th MUNS, which includes the maintenance of technologies and facilities across the squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexander Vasquez) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res In 2023, one of the major accomplishments of the futures flight was the acquisition of a reimaging switch. This tool allows the team to maintain computers and ensure that the squadron’s devices remain up to date and in line with Air Force standards. Previously, this responsibility would have fallen to the 48th Communications Squadron, which is responsible for maintaining the entire base’s information technology infrastructure. With the dedicated Airmen in the futures flight, 48th MUNS computers can now be repaired and updated in house, helping the munitions and communications squadrons remain mission focused. We may be considered one of the only IT jobs in the munitions career field. We play a crucial role in modernizing the squadron.” U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matthew Raab, 48th Munitions Squadron futures flight section chief Additionally, the futures flight has become well-versed in the latest software programs necessary for project management. They provide vital support to Airmen working on various tasks to ensure that they have the technological resources and understanding to meet their commander’s mission requirements. Despite its effectiveness, the inclusion of a futures flight has yet to be implemented across the munitions career field. The concept was originally established by the career functional manager at RAF Lakenheath, and the success of the 48th MUNS futures flight has garnered attention across the Air Force. There are hopes that this innovative organizational approach will soon be adopted by other squadrons at other bases, expanding day-to-day operations and the long-term capabilities of munitions squadrons across the Air Force.