18 SVS, MSS merge resources to form FSS Published May 29, 2008 By Tech. Sgt. Rey Ramon 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AB, Japan -- A ceremony held here Friday marked the end of two units as they merged to become the largest squadron on Kadena Air Base with the strength of more than 2,000 people. The merger brought together the 18th Services and 18th Mission Support Squadrons and combined them into one unit - the 18th Force Support Squadron. "For the most part, customers won't see a difference," said Col. MaryDarlene Morgan, former services squadron commander and now in charge of the 18th FSS. "But behind the scenes this merger will help us." By direction of the Air Staff, some units across the Air Force began merging in early 2007 to streamline operations and make better use of resources in light of a tight fiscal budget. The 18th FSS will be able to apply some of the lessons learned in previous Air Force mergers, said Colonel Morgan. Mergers are also expected in the new squadron at the flight level. The military personnel flight will combine with the manpower and organization flight to become the "Manpower and Personnel Flight." Other flights, such as marketing, resource management, civilian personnel, and the Airmen and Family Readiness Center, will be absorbed by the new unit and renamed. By restructuring flights with similar missions in one workplace, we can create a synergy that will hopefully provide better programs to take care of families with fewer personnel, said Colonel Morgan. The restructuring removes officers from the Military Personnel Flight and enables them to become deputy or flight commanders under the new organization of traditional services functions. Personnel officers from the old 18th Mission Support Squadron have been through a mid-level managers course conducted by an Air Force Services mobile training team. "This is the beginning of crosstraining and learning the [services] side of operations," said Lt. Col. Peter Warner, former 18th Mission Support Squadron commander. "As far as enlisted, career fields have not yet been identified to cross train." As the process matures enlisted personnel will be expected to start learning other tasks, said Colonel Warner. "I expect our folks to gain those efficiencies from the merger, as does the Air Force," he said. Those who may expect a drop in customer service due to the merger need not worry. "We'll be able to do the same thing we've always been able to do but with fewer personnel," said Colonel Morgan. The Force Support Squadron sustains Kadena from cradle to the grave, said the colonel. "We are here to help Kadena meet its operational mission while providing human resources," said Colonel Morgan. "As the Chief likes to say, 'Mission first, but People always.'"