ISS deactivates at Laughlin

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Desiree Economides
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  In a ceremony beginning at 9:47 a.m. June 30, the 47th Installation Support Squadron at Laughlin deactivated.

The 47th ISS split into its original two squadrons, the 47th Civil Engineering Squadron and the 47th Communications Squadron.

In 2008, Laughlin created the joint squadron in an effort to combine resources as critical personnel and positions were cut due to Air Force downsizing.

"It was an exciting time to be part of the squadron," said Linda Harris, 47th CES resources flight chief. "In the resources flight we were able to really merge and work together because we sat together. It was the first time we were able to do that."

At the time of the merger, it was not evident how the joint squadron concept would impact the two squadrons. However, the squadrons soon found out which areas were best conducted as a unified team.

"We learned so much from each other in terms of practices and applications. We could really back each other up and united we were able to maintain and support the base infrastructure better than before," said Harris.

"As one squadron, it allowed us to learn where each of the career fields intercepted and what areas needed to work more cohesively," said Eric Jonson, 47th Communications Squadron operations flight chief.

Although the squadron members were able to learn from each other, difficulty still ensued as a result of the merger.

"The commander had a lot to deal with being the leader for two squadrons. He was always working and as a result, had no spare time for himself let alone his family," said Jonson.

"Communicating at the base level amongst the squadron was easy, but when outside entities tried contacting us, they would know to look for CE, not ISS, so that was difficult," said Jennifer Harris, 47th CES chief of asset optimization.

Team members agree the ISS was not a failed attempt at combining two squadrons, but instead a learning experience for all, which will leave an impact on business practices.

"The ISS concept was a trial of consolidating two squadrons and we now know that the planning and resources flights from each squadron need to work more closely together," said Jonson.

"Now that we have made connections working so closely with each other, I hope we retain the communication lines," said Linda Harris.

"I think the squadron looks forward to having their own identity again, but I know that I now have a new understanding and appreciation for the support for CE and what they do," said Jonson.