JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
The 733rd Civil Engineer, 733rd Force Support and 733rd Logistics Readiness Squadrons activated at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, June 15, 2021. Activation of the three squadrons enhances mission effectiveness and increases logistic capabilities across the installation.
Each organization was initially stood up as a division within the 733rd Mission Support Group Headquarters structure, which resulted in the three divisions not being officially recognized as separate organizations within the Air Force structure. Additionally, this classification has generated confusion in funding and manpower allocation, causing delays in support to some organizations. The reclassification of the three units from divisions to squadrons addresses these issues - providing streamlined support for mission partners, U.S. service members, families, Department of Defense civilians and retirees.
“I am excited about this change,” said U.S. Army Col. Chesley Thigpen, 733rd Mission Support Group commander. “Activating these squadrons will ensure they are recognized as official Air Force units at the Air Force Headquarters level. This will benefit us in the appropriate allocation of manpower and resources, as well as facilitating them their respective career field growth, development and vectoring of employees.”
According to Keith Morrow, 733rd Mission Support Group Deputy Director, activation of the 733rd CES, 733rd FSS and 733rd LRS creates a clear delineation of responsibilities and provides a familiar chain of command for all customer support activities.
“Currently, the 733rd MSG receives mission-related information directly from major commands or the Headquarters Air Force instead of going directly to the divisions,” said Morrow. “This has prevented the divisions from receiving the tasking, policy, resource information and requirements in a timely manner. The squadron activation will correctly provide the command and control structure in order to provide better and more timely support for our mission partners at JBLE.”
Reclassification of the three squadrons also provides support to the 733rd Security Forces Squadron, allowing appropriate oversight of all four organizations and streamlined administrative actions for each.
“A lot of hard work was put into this effort from both 633rd Air Base Wing and Fort Eustis,” said Thigpen. “This change is about taking care of people and mission here at the JBLE.”