LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The 1st Mission Support Squadron and 1st Services Squadron merged into the 1st Force Support Squadron during a ceremony here April 22.
Maj. Caroline Miller, who previously commanded the 1st MSS for eight months, was officially appointed commander of the 1st FSS during the ceremony.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to continue working with you," said Major Miller. "I am confident - given the resources and training - that together we will make this transition smoothly."
The transition, which began Air Force-wide in January, is part of an initiative to eliminate redundancies and create "a better synergy between organizations and increased efficiency in processes and people," officials said.
"The 1st FSS will be a one-stop shop," said 2nd Lt. Jessica Rapagnani, 1st FSS officer in charge of the installation personnel readiness element. "There will be a lot more communication to better support the mission."
The squadron will continue to perform previous mission support functions, including customer service, reenlistments, awards and decorations, and other personnel actions.
The new squadron will also continue the previous services mission by providing services at the child development center, bowling center, outdoor recreation, information, tickets and tours, and community and fitness centers.
"This merger will be seamless to customers," said Lorie Vega, 1st FSS deputy director and former services deputy director.
The activation of the 1st FSS reduced the number of flights between the two squadrons from 12 to five, which, throughout the Air Force, will eliminate redundancies between the two organizations, officials said.
Customers will now receive the same services through the following flights: Manpower and Personnel, Sustainment Services, Airmen and Family Service, Force Development and Community Services.
Although there will be some internal moves and changes in duty titles, current phone numbers will still get customers in contact with whomever they need, said Ms. Vega.
"Our job has always been to facilitate and support anything our Airmen need on base, and we will continue to do that," said Lieutenant Rapagnani.