MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. — Moody Air Force Base activated the 23rd Combat Air Base Squadron (CABS) during a ceremony Sept. 15, 2025, marking a major step in the Air Force’s effort to modernize how it organizes, trains and deploys forces.
During the ceremony, Col. Sean Hall, 23rd Wing commander, presented Lt. Col. Justin L. May, 23rd CABS commander, with the squadron’s guidon, formally recognizing him as the unit’s first commander. The activation reflects the Department of the Air Force’s broader push to optimize for future conflict by accelerating readiness across all domains, advancing warfighting excellence and empowering leadership at every level in alignment with Air Combat Command and Department of War priorities.
Framing the activation at Moody, senior leaders emphasized that Airmen remain the competitive advantage in tomorrow’s fight and that combat-credible forces must be built on cohesive, mission-ready units.
“We can build bases, launch sorties and field systems, but none of it matters without the Airmen behind it.” said Col. Sean Hall, 23rd Wing commander. “You are the decisive edge.”
The CABS concept evolved from expeditionary air base squadrons that supported contingency operations over the past two decades. Unlike the ad hoc deployment model of the past, the 23rd CABS consolidates more than 60 Air Force specialty codes into one cohesive unit responsible for base operations and sustainment in deployed environments.
“The Combat Air Base Squadron represents a complete shift in how the Air Force prepares for deployments,” May said. “Instead of piecemeal teams thrown together, this squadron has trained together for the better part of a year, building trust and refining processes so we can operate at high tempo from day one.”
This new model directly supports the deployable combat wing construct, which will eventually replace air expeditionary wings in deployed locations by providing fully trained and integrated teams. By aligning with the Air Force Generation cycle, the CABS ensures Airmen are ready for rapid deployment and sustained operations.
Leaders stressed that this approach not only strengthens squadron-level readiness but also delivers on the Secretary of War’s direction to build agile, combat-credible forces capable of deterring and defeating peer adversaries.
“To the Airmen at Moody, this activation signals a bright, enduring future,” added Chief Master Sgt. Patrick Meade, 23rd CABS Senior Enlisted Leader. “It reflects confidence in your professionalism and capability. The CABS ensures Moody will remain a cornerstone of national defense strategy, projecting airpower wherever needed.”
Moody’s diverse mission set makes it a natural fit to pioneer this effort. With the 23rd Wing’s attack and rescue missions, the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing and the 820th Base Defense Group all stationed on base, Moody offers an environment steeped in combat training and warfighting readiness.
“Moody has a warrior mentality that seeps into everything the Flying Tigers do,” May said. “From A-10s training on Grand Bay Range to rescue forces executing real-world missions, this environment sets the CABS up for success in any austere location.”
The activation also supports the Air Force’s agile combat employment framework, designed to enhance flexibility and resiliency in contested environments. Training emphasizes mission command, giving Airmen the confidence to make decisions in uncertain conditions and preparing them for the demands of combat with disrupted communications.
“This deployment model gives us the edge by enabling seamless operations from the beginning of a mission,” May said. “Our Airmen are gaining reps and sets in decision-making, building trust across the squadron and proving that we are ready for the high-end fight.”
As the squadron looks ahead, enlisted leadership will be central in sustaining a combat-ready culture and ensuring Airmen remain prepared for dynamic environments.
While the activation brings new opportunities, it also represents change for Airmen and families at Moody. Leaders emphasized that the Flying Tigers are ready to adapt and lead the way in shaping the future of Air Force operations.
As the 23rd CABS begins operations, Moody Air Force Base stands strategically postured to deliver combat agility, readiness across all domains and the ability to fly, fight and win against any threat, anywhere in the world.