18th MOS inactivates, unit spirit remains active

Published June 30, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Malia Jenkins
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- The 18th Maintenance Operations Squadron was inactivated June 27 after approximately 12 years of providing analysis and quality assurance for all Kadena-assigned aircraft, monitoring total maintenance production efforts for the 18th Maintenance Group and more.

After being inactive for approximately 46 years, the squadron was reconstituted here Oct. 1, 1991, and was re-designated from the logistics group to the maintenance group as the 18th MOS.

"The men and women of the 18th MOS provide critical functions that directly affect the daily execution of the mission and long-term health of our aircraft fleet," said Col. Brian Beers, 18th Maintenance Group commander. "The 18th MOS is the backbone of the maintenance group; training, safety, quality."

During the squadron's time on Kadena, they received an outstanding rating during the combined unit inspection and logistics compliance acceptance program inspection in October 2012 and was rated best in Pacific Air Forces for 2011, earning the PACAF Maintenance Effectiveness award.

The maintenance training flight within the squadron was also rated the best training flight in PACAF for 2011.

"As both an aircraft maintenance and munitions officer, I was graced with the opportunity to command twice at the squadron level," said Lt. Col. Bryan Ford, 18th MOS commander. "Of my two squadron commands, this command has been the highlight of my career."

Beers said the squadron is closing due to force structure changes and a shrinking Air Force.

Ford added that although he was standing at the podium to inactivate the squadron, the
"18th MOS is the best in PACAF and, safe to say, probably the Air Force."

To conclude the ceremony, Ford left the men and women of the 18th MOS with one thing; "Thank you from the bottom of my heart and a job well done."

Although the squadron was inactivated, their pride for their unit remained high.

"To the men and women of the maintenance operation squadron, thank you for what you have done in the past and thank you for what we will continue to do together in the future," Beers said. "Although we will case the flag, you are vital to the success of this wing and I look forward to working with the best of the best."