442nd Communications Flight joins FSS

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kent Kagarise
  • 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The 442nd Communications Flight integratee with the 442nd Force Support Squadron Jan. 1.

The integration redesignated the communications flight to an element and gave command and control to the FSS.

Maj. Robert Fritts, former 442nd CF commander, said he does not think it will affect the communications technicians' performances.

"I think the change will be transparent to the end-user, as the change is structural and only felt from within," Fritts said.

Communications' contact numbers and e-mail addresses will remain the same for Airmen who rely on services provided by the element.

"It won't change what we do," said Senior Master Sgt. Charlene Rhodes, noncommissioned officer in charge of the CF. "We'll be able to ensure the same quality of service Airmen have come to depend on."

The absorption of CF into the FSS is not unique to the wing and is happening throughout the Air Force Reserve.

"This is a headquarters-driven initiative that benefits (communications) as well as FSS," said Maj. Joe Walter, 442nd FSS commander. "By adding CF to FSS, it adds to our stature, and it's an advantage for them to have a squadron commander supporting them rather than a flight commander."

Walter said the greatest bonus to CF joining FSS is access to more reservists, which should relieve them of additional duties.

"The number of people in a flight should allow them more time to concentrate on their individual mission readiness," Walter said.

Fritts, who is scheduled to retire in six months, said his past four years as CF commander has been the best tour of his career.

These Airmen make it look easy," he said. "They're not difficult to manage, because they know what to do and how to do it - they're very hands-on. Maj. Walter is going to have it made with these folks."

Rhodes said she remembers a time when there were only a few computers on Richard-Gebaur Air Force Base before the 442nd FW moved here in 1994.

"When you consider how times have changed, where now we have hundreds of mission-essential computers, there's a need for communications to constantly evolve," Rhodes said.

Col. Alan Teaseau, 442nd Mission Support Group commander, said, as members of FSS, communication technicians will have more opportunities to apply their expertise.

"It is a mission-critical role for them to be intimately involved with what's on the user's desk."