New Force Support Squadron to streamline Whiteman base functions Published June 17, 2008 By Maj. Kevin Pnaman 509th Services Squadron commander WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo., -- When it comes to people programs, community support and quality of life, as of June 25 there will be one organization on base that will handle it all - the 509th Force Support Squadron. The new organization is the result of an ongoing Air Force-wide merger of Mission Support and Services Squadrons and is expected to be completed by early 2010 when the last base merges its A1 Squadrons. The new squadron will streamline processes, maximize customer service and cut costs associated with maintaining separate organizations, said Maj. Kevin Naman, future 509th Force Support Squadron commander. "Because we're a leaner force, we need to focus on getting our people and organizations to operate at maximum efficiency," said Major Naman. "This reorganization puts the 509th manpower, personnel and services capabilities under one leadership 'hat,' which reduces overhead and gives our people the flexibility to be more responsive to customers' needs." The new FSS includes five flights: Force Development, Manpower and Personnel, Airmen and Family Services, Sustainment Services and Community Services. The new structure combines similar functional areas that already work closely together. For example, the Airmen and Family Services flight contains Airmen and Family Readiness, Child Development, Family Child Care and Youth Programs. "This is basically a behind-the-scenes change and should appear transparent to most Airmen here at Team Whiteman," said Major Naman. "If someone needs to get an ID card or go to the Child Development Center, that person will still go to the same location they're familiar with today. What we'll have, however, is a more effective force structure in place to better support our Airmen in the long-run." The bottom-line is that there will soon be a new name -- Force Support Squadron -- in place of what was Mission Support and Services at Whiteman Air Force Base. One thing will not change: the dedicated people of this newly merged organization will continue doing their best to support commanders and provide first class support to their customers For more information on the 509th Force Support Squadron, call Dennis McCabe at 660-687-6526.