COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The Columbus Medical Group (CMG), formerly the 14th Medical Group, officially completed its historic transition and realignment under the 359th Medical Wing Dec. 2, 2025. This move is a significant, deliberate step forward in the Department of the Air Force’s comprehensive effort to stand up the new Air Force Medical Command (AFMEDCOM).
The realignment is a key component of a phased transformation to restructure the Air Force Medical Service (AFMS). AFMEDCOM, which achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) March 12, 2025, centralizes the command and control of the Air Force's global medical assets. This unified structure is designed to significantly enhance medical readiness and better support the health and resiliency of warfighters and their families.
"Our focus remains unwavering: providing world-class care and installation support to the 14th Flying Training Wing and all our beneficiaries," said Col. Francisco Catalá, Columbus Medical Group commander. "While our chain of command may have shifted to the 359th Medical Wing, our mission here in Columbus — keeping our Airmen healthy and mission ready — has not changed."
The realignment process unifies medical groups across the Air Force into seven specialized medical wings, based on their host installation’s major command. The CMG, along with other medical personnel supporting the Air Education and Training Command, represented the third of 12 pieces to complete this inter-command transfer.
The organizational shift will culminate when AFMEDCOM reaches final operating capability, at which point it will become the largest direct reporting unit in the Air Force.
Despite the monumental organizational change, the partnership between the medical provider and the installation remains steadfast. To solidify this commitment, Col. James Blech, 14th Flying Training Wing commander, and Catalá signed a series of crucial support agreements.
These agreements ensure the continuity of essential installation support and guaranteed medical services between the 14th FTW and the newly re-designated tenant unit, the Columbus Medical Group.
“The 14th Flying Training Wing’s mission to ‘Train World Class Pilots’ relies directly on the outstanding medical care provided by Col. Catalá and his team,” Blech said. “This realignment reinforces their commitment to our Airmen while allowing them to benefit from a centralized medical structure focused on readiness. We fully support this necessary strategic evolution.”
The CMG remains firmly committed to delivering comprehensive, high-quality healthcare to its beneficiaries and continuing its vital mission support to the 14th Flying Training Wing.