McGuire’s Force Support Squadron prepares to form

Published Oct. 1, 2007
By Airman 1st Class Rebekah Phy
305th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- Hamburgers, hot dogs, pasta and macaroni salads filled the tables. People sat at picnic tables chatting away, while others manned the grills. Just a casual luncheon to help the 305th Services Squadron and 305th Mission Support Squadron come together for the first time before preparing to merge into the Force Support Squadron here.

"This was a casual gathering of the two squadrons that will eventually become the FSS," said Lt. Col. Vann Mathis, 305 SVS commander. "This was a great opportunity to come together as a team and get to know each other as we march down the road to the merger."

In April, the Air Force designated Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas; Edwards AFB, Calif.; Grand Forks AFB, N.D.; Warren AFB, Wyo.; Minot AFB, N.D.; and Eielson AFB, Alaska, as the merger testing bases.

According to the Aug. 15 Airman's Roll Call, the purpose of the mission support-services merger is to streamline processes, increase efficiencies, maximize customer service and cut costs associated with maintaining two separate organizations.

After the Air Force evaluated the test bases through surveys, analyses and site visits, McGuire, along with other bases, planned to begin the implementation of its Force Support Squadron in January 2008.

"On the installation, when it comes to people programs, community support and all those things that go into quality of life, there's one squadron that handles it all - that will be the FSS," said Colonel Mathis.

The new squadron will contain five flights: Force Development Flight, Manpower and Personnel Flight, Airmen and Family Services Flight, Sustainment Services Flight, and Community Services Flight.

Team McGuire leadership seems to be pleased with the decision to merge the 305 SVS and 305 MSS into one squadron.

"It's a win-win situation," Colonel Mathis said. "We get to take two incredibly talented teams and merge them together to form an even stronger team."

"Along with Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century and lean initiatives, we're finding a better, more efficient way to serve McGuire personnel and their families," said Maj. Christopher Wyckoff, 305 MSS commander. "This is one of many Air Force initiatives for the future and a great thing for Team McGuire."