439th Airlift Wing reinforces its commitment to the Warrior Ethos through Warfighter fitness
The 439th Airlift Wing reinforced its commitment to maintaining a fit, resilient and ready force during the reopening of the fitness center at Westover Air Reserve Base, Massachusetts, Oct. 5, 2026.
The reopening ceremony, hosted by the 439th Force Support Squadron, highlighted the connection between individual well-being and the wing's ability to maintain a fit, ready and mission-capable force.
The reopening came five days after Secretary of War Pete Hegseth joined approximately 600 enlisted service members and officers for early-morning physical fitness training on the Pentagon parade field while wearing matching t-shirts with the words, “This is War,” written across the front. The event reinforced the department's sustained emphasis on fitness, discipline and high standards for current and future operational success.
Later that day, Hegseth again connected physical standards with readiness, accountability and lethality during a State of the Force address. His remarks continued an emphasis he made explicit during a Sept. 30, 2025, address to senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.
“It all starts with physical fitness and appearance,” Hegseth said. “If the Secretary of War can do regular, hard physical training, so can every member of our joint force.”
The standards Hegseth announced in 2025 also directed reserve-component members to take personal responsibility for maintaining an appropriate fitness regimen regardless of duty status. For Reserve Citizen Airmen, access to fitness resources helps translate that responsibility into sustained readiness.
“Physical fitness is foundational to readiness,” said Ryan Leveille, 439th FSS services flight chief. “This is a place for our Airmen and families to gather, exercise and participate in sports. It supports confidence, resilience and opportunities for families to spend time together through fitness.”
Recent improvements included sanding and refinishing the basketball court and adding the 439th Airlift Wing logo at center court. New markings were also installed for the Air Force High Aerobic Multi-shuttle Run, a 20-meter progressive shuttle run used to assess cardiorespiratory fitness. The court's 3-point line was repainted from its previous National Basketball Association configuration to NCAA standards to support intramural basketball and other organized activities. The squadron plans to expand its intramural sports program, providing additional opportunities for competition, teamwork and physical development.
Maj. Cameron Goswick, 439th FSS commander, said the squadron contributes to readiness through a broad range of programs that sustain Airmen throughout their careers. In addition to fitness and recreation, the squadron provides child care, education and training, food services and personnel support.
Together, those services help Airmen remain physically prepared, professionally developed and supported to meet mission requirements. They also give Airmen and families resources that strengthen resilience through the demands of military service.
“We have built a top level foundation, and together, we are ensuring our Airmen have the motivation, facilities, and backing to perform at their absolute peak,” said Lucas Rosa, 439th Airlift Wing fitness center exercise physiologist.
Physical conditioning contributes directly to mission execution across the Patriot Wing. Airmen rely on strength and endurance to load and secure cargo aboard the C-5M Super Galaxy, maintain aircraft during extended shifts and demanding conditions, and carry out the operational and support functions required to deliver global mobility.
Fitness is not limited to combat tasks, Goswick said. It enables Airmen to perform safely and reliably across the mission. Readiness among the wing's operations, maintenance, mission support and medical professionals allows the Patriot Wing to fly, fix and fight when the nation calls.
For Citizen Airmen, readiness must be sustained alongside civilian careers and family responsibilities. The fitness center support the AFRC advantage by helping preserve an efficient, experienced, accessible and lethal force prepared to respond when the nation calls.
By pairing accessible fitness resources with organized recreation and clear standards, the 439th Airlift Wing is investing in its people and the operational capability they provide. The reopened fitness center gives Airmen and families a place to train together while strengthening the Patriot Wing's ability to execute its global mobility mission anytime, anywhere.
Fitness is not limited to combat, said Goswick. "It enables Airmen to perform effectively, safely and reliably across the mission."
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