Aircraft maintenance units supporting fighter and combat search-and-rescue (CSAR) squadrons will realign under flying squadrons next year, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley announced Dec. 7. The changes will take place between July and November. “I believe the most effective formula is to structure Air Force units by mission and not by function,” said Moseley in a press release. “Aircraft maintenance is a vital element of a flying squadron’s mission, and the maintainers that directly support sortie generation belong in that chain of command.” As they realign, existing fighter and CSAR maintenance groups will deactivate. Materiel groups, including logistics readiness, aerial port and remaining maintenance squadrons, will take their place. The Air Force plans to examine the possibility of similar consolidations in the bomber, mobility, special operations, intelligence, and surveillance and reconnaissance communities as well during the next 18 months.