KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Kadena Air Base activated a new squadron, the 718th Force Support Squadron, during the 18th Force Support Squadron change of command at Kadena Air Base, July 16, 2019.
Col. Thang T. Doan, 18th Mission Support Group commander, presided over the ceremony. He said, “The revised organizational structure right-sizes the scope of responsibility, provides the squadron commander with a tailored mission focus, and dramatically increases whitespace to effectively lead Airmen.”
The change aligns with two elements of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein’s squadron revitalization initiative to ensure squadrons are correctly sized and properly organized. Doan said the action improves the scope of responsibilities for commanders, allowing them to lead their squadrons more effectively.
During the ceremony, 18th FSS Commander Col. Gilbert Brian Eddy passed command to Ms. Victoria Fragomeli, who assumed duties as the 18th FSS Director. Directly following, Maj. Jama Stillwell assumed command of the newly activated 718th FSS.
“Vicky and Jama, I look forward to seeing the goodness you both will bring to each organization,” Eddy said. “It is with my hope that your joint leadership will continue to foster the relationship between the 18th and 718th Force Support Squadrons, and continue to provide unrivaled support to Okinawa and Oahu.”
Although the 718 FSS is newly activated, it traces its lineage through the 18th FSS, which traces its own lineage back as far as 1948 when the 18th Food Service Squadron was created. Throughout its activation to present, the 18th FSS has been renamed several times while maintaining campaign streamers and citations as far back as March 1953.
The new 718th FSS includes Military and Civilian Personnel and Manpower offices, library, Risner Fitness Center, dining facilities, Shogun Inn, laundry services, and Education and Training.
The change will not impact customers as there will be no loss in services or programs currently provided.
For upcoming news about the 718th FSS, 18th Change of command, or their histories, please visit https://www.kadenafss.com/ or https://www.afhra.af.mil.