When two become one

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Heather Kelly
  • 920th RQW Public Affiars
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla --  In a move that further illustrates the vanishing line between the Air Force Reserve and active duty forces, the 920th Rescue Wing and 45th Space Wing command posts have merged into a single joint operation.

This will be the Air Force's test case on combined reserve and active duty command post operations.

"Personnel and equipment are expensive to maintain," said Lt. Col. Rex Meyers, 920th Rescue Wing Command Post superintendent. "Ultimately, it's more advantageous to the government to create one command post at each installation." 

"When we deploy, we have multiple agencies working together," said Colonel Meyers. "We've always practiced 'train the way you fight,' this is just an extension of that." 

Colonel Meyers has been working with his counterparts at the 45th Space Wing command post since October 2007 to ensure a successful transition. Combining the operations is  a three-step process. 

The first step was intense planning between the 45th Space Wing and the 920th Rescue Wing.  Implementation of the plan was next, followed by the third step of combining checklists and procedures. 

Controllers from both organizations will require additional training in each other's tasks and unique requirements. 

"There will be a learning process for both units," he said. The units are currently refining the installation plan. Once finished, controllers will be capable of conducting command-post operations for the full range of missions at Patrick AFB. 

"A lot of functional areas around both wings are working together to make this happen," said Colonel Meyers. "We've always coordinated well together. That's the key to making this project work well." Master Sgt. Michael Trejo, the Rescue Wing's command post NCOIC , has been instrumental in that coordination. 

"Customer service for wing members and aircrews will improve," said Sergeant Trejo. "When people deploy, there will be a 24-hour point of contact. They will be able to contact someone at the command post whenever they need to. We will also benefit from the brand new facility. 

"All together, I think it will be a lot better. We are all looking forward to it," Sergeant Trejo said. 

Colonel Meyers agreed. 

"The improved facility and solid relationship we have with our active-duty counterparts gives us a big advantage in implementing this program," he said.