21st Force Support Squadron stands up

(Left to right): Col. Emily Buckman, Lt. Col. Robert Romer and Maj. Michael Marvich stand at attention during the 21st Force Support Squadron activation ceremony July 15 in Hangar 119 at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. The unit’s stand up official marks the consolidation of both the 21st Mission Support and Service Squadrons. The consolidation supports the Air Force Chief of Staff’s Air Force Smart Operations-21 initiative. (U.S. Air Force photo/Craig Denton)

21st Force Support Squadron stands up

Col. Emily Buckman congratulates Lt. Col. Robert Romer after activation of the new 21st Force Support Squadron July 15 in Hangar 119 at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. The unit’s stand up official marks the consolidation of both the 21st Mission Support and Service Squadrons. The consolidation supports the Air Force Chief of Staff’s Air Force Smart Operations-21 initiative. (U.S. Air Force photo/Craig Denton)

21st Force Support Squadron stands up

Lt. Col. Robert Romer salutes Airmen of the new 21st Force Support Squadron after assuming command of the unit July 15 in Hangar 119 at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. The unit’s stand up official marks the consolidation of both the 21st Mission Support and Service Squadrons. The consolidation supports the Air Force Chief of Staff’s Air Force Smart Operations-21 initiative. (U.S. Air Force photo/Craig Denton)

21st Force Support Squadron stands up

Airmen and guests stand at attention during the 21st Force Support Squadron activation ceremony July 15 in Hangar 119 at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. The unit’s stand up official marks the consolidation of both the 21st Mission Support and Service Squadrons. The consolidation supports the Air Force Chief of Staff’s Air Force Smart Operations-21 initiative. (U.S. Air Force photo/Roberta McDonald)

21st MSS, SVS combine to form 21st FSS

Published July 15, 2008
By Corey Dahl
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The 21st Space Wing's mission support and services squadrons will officially merge July 15, melding all of Peterson's customer service functions into one unit.

As part of an Air Force-wide initiative, the two squadrons will become the 21st Force Support Squadron. The new unit will have the same number of personnel - 615 civilian and military employees - but will consolidate from 12 flights spread across the base to five flights, the majority of which will be headquartered in Building 350.

The 21st FSS will serve a combined customer base of more than 63,000 servicemembers, dependents, civilian employees and retirees. The squadron's staff will run base services such as the fitness center, the youth center and the golf course; provide personnel support including issuing military IDs and helping with professional development; and work with servicemembers and their dependents through the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

"By combining manpower, personnel and services, you combine the majority of programs that directly assist Airmen," said Lt. Col. Robert Romer, who will move from his position as 21st MSS commander to become commander of the 21st FSS. "It allows for a learning organization, centralization of command and control in this arena and prepares our deployers for how they operate in the AOR."

Peterson users can expect few changes in base services as a result of the transition. Flight chiefs for the new joint squadron are being reorganized, but most staff will remain in their current positions. The flight chiefs will all move to Building 350, along with the non-appropriated funds human resources office, and training and home station readiness will combine in Building 350. Otherwise, all services will remain at their current locations.

The most noticeable differences for now will be on the surface. A "Tiger Team," made up of employees from both the MSS and SVS, has been working on transition details, including designing a new coin and logo for the FSS. The squadron will unveil a new war cry in the months to come, and a combined fox and moose mascot is in the works.

The goal is to become a cohesive unit, said Dan Schofield, who will move from his position as 21st SVS deputy commander to deputy commander of the 21st FSS. The FSS will seamlessly integrate the separate entities of personnel, services and manpower to become just one branch devoted to exceptional customer service and support.

"It is a name change to FSS right now," Mr. Schofield said. "But, as we progress, we will innovate and think outside the box to provide the best support to Airmen."