3rd, 5th Space Launch Squadrons merging
45th SW Public Affairs report
Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Randy Starbuck said the men and women of the 3rd and 5th Space Launch Squadrons will become a stronger force in the spacelift business Monday when they unite during a ceremony at Cape Canaveral AS.
The new squadron will support Atlas and Titan launch missions with emphasis on insight regarding launch processing and gradually reduced oversight responsibility, Starbuck said.
Monday's merger is the first of two mergers with the inclusion of the Delta squadron scheduled to occur in 1999.
According to 45th Operations Group Commander Col. Philip Benjamin, the merger is one of the most visible actions showing progress on the Wing Strategic Plan.The plan streamlines operations in preparation for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program scheduled to come on line in the year 2002.
"Monday marks the beginning of a new era in the Wing's support of spacelift," said Lt. Col. Tony Goins, who will take command of the 3rd Space Launch Squadron during the ceremony. "I'm in the place my mother always knew I would be-supporting spacelift. As a child, I was awestruck by the Cape and watched launches from the Cape on TV. This is a dream job with a great mission, great people, and a great team."
The 3rd SLS was the first to win the Guardian Challenge competition, and the 5th SLS was the most recent squadron to win, he said.
"With a heritage like that, the new 3rd SLS will continue to be a winning team," Goins said.
Goins praised the efforts of Lt. Cols. John Ward and Ev Thomas, commanders of the 3rd and 5th Space Launch Squadrons, respectively.
"Lt. Cols. Ward and Thomas have done an outstanding job guiding their squadrons and there is no way I can replace two of spacelift's superstars," Goins said.
Goins' short-term goal for the new combined squadron is to remain focused on the seven upcoming Atlas and Titan missions and the upcoming IG visit. He set a long-term goal to continue reducing the cost and time it takes to get to space.
Officials said merging the 3rd and 5th Space Launch Squadrons gives the Wing manpower efficiencies and reduces Wing infrastructure support costs, which in turn play a role in reducing the overall cost of getting to space.
Monday's events include an informal reception for past and current 5th SLS members at the Titan Operations and Maintenance Building (TOMB) Auditorium from 9-9:45 a.m. The reception will include a cake-cutting ceremony with all the former squadron commanders.
The Inactivation and Change of Command ceremony is scheduled from 10-11 a.m. outside Bldg. 1645 with 45th Operations Group Commander Col. Philip Benjamin presiding.
A reception for Goins will follow the ceremony at the Atlas Titan Operations and Maintenance (ATOM) Building Heritage Room, Bldg. 1645.
The 5th Space Launch Squadron, which was activated in 1994, will bring an estimated 125 people to the 3rd Space Launch Squadron.
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