Logistics units consolidate at 55th Wing

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Danielle Grannan
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The 55th Wing welcomed a new unit Sept. 27 during a special activation ceremony at the Patriot Club.

The new unit, the 55th Logistics Readiness Squadron, replaces and consolidates several existing functions from around the base including supply, transportation, fuels and readiness flights to synchronize their interdependent processes under a single authority, said Lou Madsen, the ceremony's narrator.

In 2002, when most of the Air Force stood up logistics readiness squadrons, Offutt went another route and created a Most Efficient Organization, said Col. Michael Allshouse, 55th Mission Support Group commander.

The MEO conducted numerous base support functions including some aspects of civil engineering, aircraft maintenance, communications, supply and transportation activities. This move enabled the Air Force to eliminate more than 800 manpower positions and save close to $46 million a year.

Under this set-up, the supply and transportation functions of a typical LRS were performed by an all civilian logistics distribution division. Meanwhile, to support military deployment requirements, the wing's logistics plans functions were a separate flight, reporting directly to the 55th MSG commander, while the fuels management flight aligned under the 55th Maintenance Group.

"Because of the tremendous support these different organizations have provided to the wing over the years, today we are bringing these sections together into one squadron," said Colonel Allshouse. "A continually increasing workload without a corresponding resource and manpower increase in addition to a changing Air Force compliance culture, makes continuing the MEO too risky to support the command's busiest wing. Therefore, about 18 months ago ACC made the decision to let the MEO expire and to stand up the 55th LRS and bring together the elements of the logistics distribution division, fuels management and readiness under one commander."

Maj. Melvin E. Maxwell Jr. is the unit's first commander.

"The move brings Offutt in line with standard Air Force organizational structure and provides greater flexibility to support wing requirements and enables better training opportunities for military logistics personnel," said Colonel Allshouse. "It also gives us a field grade logistics readiness officer to synchronize the interdependent process. I think we've got the right logistics readiness officer in Major Maxwell. He comes to us with tremendous experience and an attitude that will ensure his success."

Major Maxwell, who came to Offutt from U.S. Transportation Command at Scott AFB, Il., is ready for the challenge of leading this new squadron and outlined his plan to the wing.

"I'd first like to thank [Brig. Gen. John N.T.] Shanahan and Colonel Allshouse for giving me the opportunity to command," said Major Maxwell. "I know not every officer gets the opportunity to take the flag, and I do not take this honor lightly. I will work as hard as I can to ensure I provide effective leadership to my squadron, and I will work with my fellow squadron commanders to help run this wing as effectively and efficiently as possible. To the men and women of the 55th LRS, my vision for our organization is that we are logistics professionals, that we are highly skilled, highly motivated and mission focused. I think that is a goal that we must achieve in order to be successful. I think in many ways, it is an accurate reflection of what we already do."