366th Force Support Squadron stands up

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho-- Front row left, Col. Jeffrey Maxwell, 366th Mission Support Group commander; Maj. Roland Akins III, 366th Mission Support Squadron outgoing commander; Maj. James Beaty, 366th Services Sqaudron outgoing commander; and Maj. Eileen Kirkland, 366th Force Support Squadron commander, prepare to stand up the 366th FSS June 23 during a ceremony at Holt Park. The ceremony officially deactivated the 366th MSS and redesignated the 366th SVS as the 366th FSS. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Renishia Richardson)

366th Force Support Squadron stands up

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho-- Col. Jeffery Maxwell, 366th Mission Support Group commander, passes the new 366th Force Support Squadron guidon to Maj. Eileen Kirkland, 366th FSS commander, June 23 during a ceremony at Holt Park. The ceremony officially deactivated the 366th MSS and redesignated the 366th SVS as the 366th FSS. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Renishia Richardson)

366th Force Support Squadron stands up

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho-- The 366th Mission Support Squadron and 366th Services Squadron merge together during the 366th Force Support Squadron activation ceremony June 23 at Holt Park. The ceremony officially deactivated the 366th MSS and redesignated the 366th SVS as the 366th FSS. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Renishia Richardson)

366th Force Support Squadron stands up

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho-- Maj. Eileen Kirkland, 366th Force Support Squadron commander, speaks at the 366th FSS activation ceremony as she assumes command June 23 at Holt Park. The ceremony officially deactivated the 366th MSS and redesignated the 366th SVS as the 366th FSS. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Renishia Richardson)

366th Force Support Squadron stands up

Published June 24, 2009
By Senior Airman Samantha S. Crane
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- The 366th Mission Support Squadron and 366th Services Squadron became a thing of the past June 23 during a ceremony at Holt Park officially introducing the 366th Force Support Squadron with Maj. Eileen Kirkland taking the wheel.

"Today, we take two separate but similar squadrons and merge them into one strong, cohesive unit," said Col. Jeffrey Maxwell, 366th Mission Support Group commander, in his opening remarks.

For the outgoing commanders, the day became an emotional experience.

"I've been extremely lucky and grateful to be a part of the mission support squadron," said Maj. Roland Akins III, 366th MSS outgoing commander. "You're some of the best professionals I've served with in my career."

"I knew this would be the toughest day in my command," said Major Beaty, "the day I would have to say my final farewells and pass back the guidon. The past few years have been the most challenging, exciting and rewarding of my 22-year Air Force career."

Major Kirkland took the opportunity to reflect on her return to Mountain Home AFB and the future of the new squadron.

"I'm honored to be here as the first 366th Force Support Squadron commander," said Major Kirkland. "There will be many challenges ahead and many opportunities to excel."

She also stressed that her and her family would take an active role in the local community during their time here.

"Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to share this very special moment as we start a new legacy with my family and I, and we are looking forward to being active members of the Gunfighter community both on base and off base," said the 366th FSS commander.

The ceremony officially deactivated the 366th MSS and redesignated the 366th SVS as the 366th FSS. The merger will streamline processes, maximize customer service and cut costs associated with maintaining separate organizations, according to the two outgoing commanders.

"Because we're a leaner force, we need to focus on getting our people and organizations to operate at maximum efficiency," said Major Beaty. "This reorganization puts Mountain Home's manpower, personnel and services capabilities under a single leadership umbrella, which reduces overhead and gives our people the flexibility to be more responsive to customers' needs."

"It's advantageous for the wing to have one person overseeing and integrating the learning opportunities for the installation," said Major Akins III.

The squadron will consist of five flights: force development, manpower and personnel, Airmen and family services, sustainment services and community services.

"Most changes will be transparent to our customers," added Major Beaty. "What you'll never see change is our dedication to providing world-class customer service to our Gunfighters and their families."

For Major Kirkland, working in a force support squadron is nothing new.

Prior to arriving here, the major commanded the 7th SVS at Dyess AFB, Texas, from June 2007 to July 2008 where she deployed to Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, in January 2008 to command the 386th SVS, which became the 386th FSS in May 2008. Just before arriving to Mountain Home, the major graduated from the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB, Ala.

Major Beaty will travel to Maxwell AFB, Ala., to attend the Air Command and Staff College school while Major Akins will head to Scott AFB, Ill., to take over as the base inspector general.