With the Transfer of the 161st Fighter Squadron to the 224th Wing, and questions surrounding Oseas continued use of the F-16 in the near future, many were not optimistic regarding the 56th Fighter Wing, and by extent, Arixo Air Force Base's fate with force wide post-war reductions looming.
Fortunately, these fears would be proven unfounded, as at the end of 2023, it was announced by the Air Education Training Command that a force wide restructuring would see the 56th FW Gain both the 97th “Red Spades” and 309th “Lightning Riders” Fighter Squadrons from Addison Air Force Base, but the 30th Tactical Fighter Squadron “Golden Eagles” as well to cover continued F-15C training.
To support such efforts, the Air Combat Command and Air Force Reserve Command activated the 77th Aggressors Squadron to facilitate future pilot training, with stated goals towards rehosting the Chaldea Exercises at the base.
Today, and in the future, all roads for OADF F-16 crews will pass through Arixo.
