SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SC — The 495th Fighter Group will stand up during an activation ceremony here March 8 at 9:45 a.m. at the Carolina Skies Club and Conference Center.

The 495th Fighter Group's activation is part of the Air Force's ongoing initiative to integrate traditional, active-duty Airmen with Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units to streamline training and resource use. Such integrated units are called active associate units.

The 495th Fighter Group staff will be headquartered here. The group will guide 10, 9th Air Force-affiliated, active associate fighter detachments co-located with host Guard and Reserve units across the country.

Five years ago, Air Force leaders recognized a changing force structure and budget constraints demanded creative ways to generate experienced fighter pilots. Their solution was to leverage the Guard's and Reserve's experience, continuity and assets through an initiative called Total Force Integration.