SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- If we want peace, the U.S. Air Force must deliberately prepare for war. This is the mission of Air Mobility Command’s two Combat Training Squadrons (CTS), who ensure when “Fight’s On” is called, Expeditionary Forces are trained to win the nation’s wars.
Lt. Col. Leonard Trujillo assumed the reins of command of the 34th CTS located at Little Rock AFB, Ark. on May 1, 2026, while Lt. Col. Jonathan Lewczyk assumed command of the 49th CTS at Pope Army Airfield, N.C. on May 29, 2026.
These change of command ceremonies complete an important strategic realignment of establishing complex exercise capabilities under the USAF Expeditionary Center to meet the demands of modern global threats. By bringing both of AMC’s CTSs under the purview of the USAF Expeditionary Operations School (EOS), the command has created a comprehensive readiness system for Airmen and teams preparing to deploy.
Stepping into his new role, Trujillo emphasized a philosophy of being ready today and ready tomorrow with disciplined innovation.
“It is our duty to generate a challenging and combat-realistic training environment to ensure forces at the tip of the spear are trained to win,” said Trujillo.
Lewczyk was confident the Knights of the 49th CTS will continue their legacy of consistent learning, adaptation, and excellence despite changes in their organization, mission, and squadron leadership.
“In so doing, we will train Air Mobility forces to win while relentlessly advancing the combat capabilities of the Joint Force,” said Lewczyk.
The realignment under the USAF EOS supports their mission to design, integrate and deliver expeditionary training that prepare warfighters to win through a clear continuum of knowledge, skills, and application as a collaborative team. The knowledge phase begins with a focus on individual tactical performance, while the skills phase builds operational proficiency in multiple environments.
The CTS’s provide the essential strategic application phase by facilitating joint planning and executing AMC’s only joint-accredited exercise: STORM FLAG.
The 34th CTS accomplishes this mission primarily at joint venues where AMC is the lead Major Command, like at the Joint Readiness Training Center. The squadron deliberately included participants across sister services and international partners, ensuring a fully integrated readiness training environment.
Trujillo noted that this integration is critical for modern warfare.
“The combat environment is evolving with new threats, and we must proactively integrate and adapt if we truly intend to prepare for war,” Trujillo said.
This realistic, high-stakes training ensures units are fully prepared for contested locations and serves as a dedicated venue to certify an Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW).
Previously, the 49th CTS led AMC’s planning efforts for the USAF Warfare Center’s BAMBOO EAGLE exercise and executed Battalion Mass Tactical Week in conjunction with the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. Now, the Knights will take STORM FLAG on the road by leading AMC’s planning efforts on select combatant command exercises such as ARCTIC EDGE and TALISMAN SABRE.
The Knights’ revised mission captures STORM FLAG’s expanded focus: to “plan, execute, and assess relevant and realistic exercises which train and certify Air Mobility forces to win across the competition continuum.” By leading exercises globally, the 49th CTS maximizes AMC’s readiness regardless of mission or operational environment.
By turning the organization’s collective expertise into real-world application, the USAF EOS provides multiple certification venues to prove a unit is fully prepared for the mission.
“Uniting all elements of the USAF EOS into a cohesive system, the classroom knowledge and field skills are now stressed together in robust, combat representative training,” said Col. Sarah Kaiser, USAF EOS commandant. “This teamwork ensures training turns knowledge into skill, and exercises sharpen those skills into instinct, forging Airmen who are adaptable, decisive, and ready to win in any environment.”
Kaiser also emphasized the reorganization will allow the Air Force to continuously adapt to global challenges and emerging threats. The EOS can now provide seamless alignment across knowledge, skills, and application, which is foundational to the new USAF Expeditionary Center mission to Forge mission ready Airmen and expeditionary concepts to win the future fight.