LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
A new squadron on base is poised to continue delivering top support, service and quality of life activities to Team Lackland.
After more than a year's worth of preparation to make the transition, the 37th Force Support Squadron stood up in ceremonies July 16 in the Gateway Club ballroom to complete the merger of the 37th Mission Support Squadron and 37th Services Division.
The 37th FSS will be part of the 37th Mission Support Group.
Lt. Col. Joel Jones will be the squadron commander and Jerry Stanfill will be the civilian deputy. Previously, Colonel Jones was 37th MSS commander and Mr. Stanfill was director of the 37th Services Division.
"We're all excited," said Colonel Jones. "I think we've handled the coming change in a very positive manner, and the people are excited about it. They are excepting and embracing the change, and I couldn't be prouder of the folks on the mission support and Services sides."
The merger is part of the Air Force's effort to streamline processes, increase efficiencies, maximize customer service and cut costs associated with maintaining two separate organizations. The new structure combines areas that already work closely together.
There will be five flights in the squadron: force development, manpower and personnel, Airmen and family services, sustainment services and community services.
"The Air Force has determined this is a good idea to maximize our resources, personnel, money and equipment, and I agree," said Colonel Jones, who will now oversee up to 2,000 people. "Leadership has made it very clear the historic proportions of what we're doing with the Force Support Squadron."
The Air Force began merging mission support squadrons and Services in 2007 via test cases, and implementation started in January 2008. Combining MSS and Services was logical considering both focus on customer service, community support and quality of life.
Colonel Jones said while there have been adjustments, the combined efforts of both units have made for a seamless transition.
"When you put these two under one command structure and put like areas together, you can only improve your customer service," he said "Communication and coordination just gets so much better and over time, it can only improve. It's going to end up being a huge benefit for the base and the Lackland community."