Photo By Senior Airman Renee Blundon | U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 432nd Force Support Squadron stand in formation with...... read more read more
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In a momentous shift that enhances the identity, capabilities, and mission support of base services, the 432nd Force Support Squadron has officially transitioned from a unit to a full-fledged squadron. This transition places the squadron directly under the Mission Support Group. The activation ceremony, held on April 23, 2025, marked the ceremonial unfurling of the squadron’s first guidon and celebrated a milestone more than two years in the making.
"This is a really proud moment for our team," said Eileen Collins, Director of the 432nd Force Support Squadron. “Our Airmen trusted the process, stayed committed, and far exceeded expectations during the transition. This recognition as a squadron is long overdue and well deserved.”
The transition process began over two years ago when then 432nd Wing Commander Col. Eric Schmidt initiated the breakout of the Force Support Flight from the Support Squadron. After operating as a unit and undergoing an extensive approval process, including an Organizational Change Request that went up to Headquarters Air Force and back down, the squadron was officially activated on February 3, 2025.
Senior Master Sgt. Emily Perez, Senior Enlisted Leader for the FSS, described the activation as a morale booster and point of pride for squadron personnel. “Our Airmen have a sense of identity now. They’re excited to be part of something bigger, to wear a new patch, and to have a guide-on that represents who we are,” she said. “It’s given us our own voice and a clearer path for career advocacy and growth.”
The stand-up of the Force Support Squadron unlocks access to new funding channels, expanded programming, and increased manpower, all of which will directly benefit Creech AFB and its community. “As a squadron, we can justify more resources to support the warfighter and their families,” Collins explained. “This includes everything from morale events to education services, lodging, food operations, counseling, and more.”
Over the past two years, the Force Support team has already expanded significantly, launching events like the base-wide Hunter Olympics and Oktoberfest, standing up a Force Development Flight, and introducing new programs within the Professional Development Center. As Collins noted, “These are services we couldn’t have fully developed while operating as a flight under the support squadron. Being a squadron lets us do more for everyone.”
The squadron has also helped increase civilian personnel across the installation by 200%, enabling broader support for the base community. The Military and Family Readiness Flight has grown to include the Exceptional Family Member Program, casualty assistance, and soon, a school liaison officer.
With the activation, the squadron also streamlines leadership and administrative processes. “Now it’s clear who to go to. Before, we had to route things through multiple layers. Today, the path is more direct, which improves efficiency,” said Perez.
Looking ahead, the Force Support Squadron is preparing to expand its support to include the 25th Attack Group which will become a wing in the future, once the necessary approvals are finalized. This added responsibility reflects the team’s continued growth and vital role at Creech.
“Standing up as a squadron isn’t just about a title change,” said Collins. “It’s about building a resilient, capable force that better supports Airmen and their families, today and into the future.”
According to Perez, the change represents 'a boost in morale' and 'an opportunity for us to build our identity and take pride in what we do every day.'
| Date Taken: | 04.10.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.29.2025 11:11 |
| Story ID: | 496247 |
| Location: | CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, NEVADA, US |
| Web Views: | 5 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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