Anchorage, AK -- Col. Tom Bergeson, 3rd Wing Commander; Col. Eric Overturf, 477th Fighter Group Commander; and Mr. Rich Owen, State Chair for the Employee Alaska Support for the Guard and Reserve cut the ribbon at the 477th's new facility. The 477th Fighter Group is Air Force Reserve Command's first F-22 Raptor unit. It is a Classic Associate unit responsible for recruiting, training, developing and retaining Citizen Airmen to support Expeditionary Air Force mission requirements.

By Maj. Lisa Reaver - The 477th Fighter Group has a brand new facility to call home.  The $10.4 million building features beautiful views, 52 professionally coordinated rooms and green initiatives integrated into its design and construction. “The new facility will allow personnel, logistics, finance, medical administration, and staff functions to work out of the same space.  We now have a one-stop shop to support our Reservists as they balance their commitments to their families, civilian employers, and military commanders,” said Col. Eric Overturf, 477th Fighter Group Commander.

 At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests learned of the group’s Tuskegee heritage.  The group was originally activated in 1944 and played a leading role in the effort to end segregation in the military.   Throughout the building numerous historical photographs balance with the modern décor and remind guests of the strong legacy the group carries. 

At a time when energy conservation and efficiency is at the forefront, the new facility does not disappoint.  It has a 100 percent outside-air ventilation system and automatic low-flow bathroom fixtures. 

From gallery lighting in the hallways to Smartboards in the classrooms, the new building is just what the Reserve unit needs at this juncture in its growth.  Approximately half-way through the course from its initial stand up in 2007 to full capacity in 2012, the group is busting at the seams and more than ready to expand into the additional space the building offers.  There is room to grow, though, as the unit is still aggressively hiring new Reserve members through the year 2012 when the group is expected to hit maximum capacity with more than 440 reservists.