JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The 714th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron inactivated on September 7, 2024, during a ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix- Lakehurst. The inactivation was a result of the wing’s KC-10 divestment and subsequent loss of the refueling mission.
The ceremony began with an invocation from Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Hofrichter, 514th Maintenance Group, who recounted much of the unit’s history, major awards, and beloved squadron members who have passed away.
The inactivation was first announced in 2022, putting every one of the 258 squadron members in the unexpected position of having to decide on or otherwise navigate the next phase of their Air Force careers. The former members of the 714th AMXS are scattering to all corners of the country, taking positions in 31 different units, including 74 who will remain in the Freedom Wing. Many of these individuals are cross-training into new career fields and four have been selected to become commissioned officers.
Lt. Col. Jeffrey Matthew, Deputy Commander, 514th Maintenance Group, acted as the squadron commander for the ceremony. Matthew previously held the role of squadron commander from 2009 to 2013, deploying with the unit to Al Dhafra in 2011-2012.
“What can I say about this jet?” said Matthew. “It was a workhorse. It was our workhorse.”
The unit was activated on July 1, 1995, as the 714th Aircraft Generation Squadron, and was renamed as the 714th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron on October 1, 2002. During its 29 years in service, the squadron supported countless deployments and contingency operations for 10 different operational campaigns and received four Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards.
After the official inactivation order was read, Lt. Col. Joseph Trynosky, 514th MXG Commander, took to the stage to share his gratitude with the many current and former squadron members in attendance.
“The last few years haven’t been easy,” said Trynosky. “First we had to say goodbye to our beloved KC-10, and now we have to say goodbye to each other.”
The historic and emotional ceremony drew a large audience of current and former members of the Freedom Wing, including many past and present leaders.
“Over the years, I’ve seen units be inactivated, only to be activated again at a new base with a new group of Airmen,” Matthew said. “I’ve always been a glass half full person—perhaps we’ll get to see the 714th AMXS guidon unfurled to represent another unit in the future.”