New Force Support Squadron streamlines Eglin's functions

  • Published
  • By Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Community support, people, programs and quality of life are the focus of the newly formed 96th Force Support Squadron. 

The merger of 96th Mission Support Squadron and 96th Services Squadron into the 96th FSS occurred on June 30. The merger is the result of an ongoing Air Force-wide initiative which is expected to be completed by early fiscal year 2010. 

"The new squadrons will help streamline processes, maximize customer service and cut costs associated with maintaining separate organizations," said Maj. Sean Harrington, 96th Mission Support Squadron commander. 

"Because we're a leaner force, we need to focus on getting our people and organizations to operate at maximum efficiency," Major Harrington said. "This reorganization puts our manpower, personnel and services capabilities under one leadership 'hat,' which reduces overhead and gives our people the flexibility to be more responsive to customers' needs." 

The new FSS includes five flights: force development, manpower and personnel, Airmen and family services, sustainment services and community services. The new structure combines similar functional areas that already work closely together. For example, the Sustainment Services Flight contains the food operations, clubs, fitness and sports, and lodging branches. 

"This is basically a behind-the-scenes change and should appear transparent to most Airmen here," Said Major Harrington. "If someone needs to go get an ID card or go to the Airman's Attic, in most cases, that person will still go to the same location they're familiar with today." 

Rest assured, we will be doing extensive publicity on any changes in locations/phone numbers, etc., that do result from the new Force Support Squadron, Major Harington added. What we'll have, however, is a more effective force structure in place to better support our Airmen in the long run. 

Six Air Force bases across six commands were selected in 2007 to test the new squadron model. The test bases helped establish where specific responsibilities and processes should be placed within the organizational structure and how they should be set up. 

"The end of test reports from the test site commanders/directors, indicate this merger has not been without its challenges," said Major Harrington. "They had to re-establish lines of communication, move some people around, and overcome cultural differences between the functions. But even with the difficulties, we're already seeing the benefits of combining these assets." 

Major Harrington cited the new force development flight as an example of positive changes coming. 

"The new force development flight chief is responsible for all education, training the library, professional development, and professional military education," he said. "It's advantageous for the wing to have one person overseeing and integrating the learning opportunities for the installation." 

The merger is also advantageous for the careers of future force support officers and civilians. 

"This reorganization opens up career opportunities we haven't had before," said Major Harrington. "With our training plan in place, our people will be able to gain valuable experience across different functional areas. We've also created a new position - the operations officer - that will be open to officers and civilians." 

The bottom line is there is a new name - 96th Force Support Squadron in place of what was 96th Mission Support and 96th Services Squadron at Eglin. 

However, one thing hasn't change. The dedicated people of this newly merged organization are eager to continue doing their best to support commanders and provide first-class support to their customers.