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Shaw squadrons to merge forces

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Holly Brown
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C --  Two squadrons at Shaw will merge to form one provisional squadron Nov. 1. 

The 20th Services Squadron and the 20th Mission Support Squadron will deactivate and become the 20th Force Support Squadron and remain part of the 20th Mission Support Group. 

"The idea is we will eventually have one-stop shopping for all support functions," said Lt. Col. Jimmy Sullivan, 20th MSS commander. 

Many of the services, which the current squadrons provide, have like counter parts within each squadron, said Maj. Thomas Kuhn, 20th SVS commander. The merge will combine the sections and complement each other. 

"We believe aligning similar functions within one squadron will potentially create manpower, fiscal savings and ultimately lead to better combat support and customer service," said Col. Francis Xavier, 20th Mission Support Group commander. "A good example would be the base library, currently operated by 20th SVS, and the education center, currently operated by 20th MSS." 

Shaw is the seventh base to test the provisional merge at wing-level, Colonel Sullivan said. 

"The consolidation into the new 20th FSS-provisional is the wing-level continuation of the merger of personnel support and community services at the Air Force Headquarters and major command levels," Colonel Xavier said. "Mission support and Services have already combined at higher headquarters." 

Colonel Sullivan will take command of the 20th FSS. Master Sgt. Fred Self has been serving as the first sergeant for both squadrons since April. Colonel Sullivan and Sergeant Self will lead 650 Airmen in the squadron once it is combined. 

"I'm very excited for this merge and the prospect to learn a totally new career field," Colonel Sullivan said. "The squadron is literally doubling, so it will be a challenge to get out and see all of the Airmen, but that's part of the excitement."