Louisiana Army and Air National Guard

Courtesy Story

By Tech. Sgt. Tallace E. Madina
159th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Representative

BELLE CHASSE, La. – An official ceremony merging the Louisiana Air National Guard's Services Flight and Mission Support Flight into the new 159th Fighter Wing Force Support Squadron was held Oct. 3.

"This is a very historic time for the Fighter Wing," said Brig. Gen. J. Ben Soileau, chief of staff for the LAANG. "The combining of mission support and services is not the loss of two flights but the gaining of a squadron."

The new squadron will be commanded by Maj. Elisa Blackwell, commander of the Services Flight prior to the combination of flights.

"I look forward to working jointly with Capt. Lionel Jones, who is the former commander of the Mission Support Flight and now Operations Officer for the new squadron," said Blackwell. "We have our challenges ahead of us but have already begun to develop ideas in conjunction with our senior leadership so that this transition will go smoothly."

Air Force wide implementation of the unifications began in January 2008 after being tested at select bases.

Combined, these newly streamlined organizations will increase efficiency while providing exemplary customer service, community support and bettering the Air Force quality of life.

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