Two organizations merge to form one

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Candy Miller
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Sheppard combined the missions and personnel of a squadron and a division May 27, resulting in one customer-focused squadron. 

Maj. Robert Hoskins, former 82nd Missions Support Squadron commander, took command of the 82nd Force Support Squadron, as the 82nd MSS and 82nd Services Division merged. 

Col. Richard Lipsey, commander of the 82nd Mission Support Group, said Sheppard is creating one organization focused on taking care of people and improving quality of services to prepare Sheppard to carry out the mission. 

"This is the largest squadron on Sheppard, and it will be capably led by Major Hoskins," he said. 

The new mission of the 82nd FSS is "to provide the full spectrum of force support functions for the Air Force's largest technical training wing and the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program, while developing nearly 1,000 exceptional force support professionals," a pamphlet at the ceremony said. 

"The Air Force is changing- we're looking to create pent-athlete support personnel capable of serving flexible roles, and the force support squadron is part of that," Major Hoskins said. 

Capt. Eric Belcher, chief, military personnel section, said the new squadron not only combines personnel from the two organizations, but will improve customer service.
"All customers-and us internally- will benefit," he said. "Whenever you pull resources together, you gain efficiencies and save expenses." 

Major Hoskins said he also felt the new squadron will enhance the service it provides. He said that anything anyone does on Sheppard will be supported by the force support squadron. 

He said he's grateful for the opportunity to lead this new squadron and especially looks forward to continue working with Jim Vose, the 82nd FSS's first deputy and former services division director. 

"He's the most talented services director I've ever seen and he's a natural leader," Major Hoskin said. "After working with him for a few months, I feel like I've won life's lottery in teaming up with him to lead the force support squadron together."