User:FirstHandAccount/sandbox

The 30th Force Support Squadron (30 FSS) was formed in Jun 2008 as a result of Program Action Directive (PAD) 07-11. As spelled out in the PAD, the Air Force determined efficiencies would be gained by consolidating two squadrons into one. The Mission Support Squadrons and Services Squadrons were merged into the new Force Support Squadron concept across the entire Air Force over a period of several years in "spirals" of different bases at a time. The timing was mostly coinciding with normal cycles of the transfers, or Permanent Changes of Station (PCSs) of personnel in the leadership positions. In the case of the 30 FSS at Vandenberg AFB, the two former units were the 30th Mission Support Squadron, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Steven Carmical, and the 30th Services Division, led by Mr Mick Szymanzki. When the two units became one, the unit was commanded by Lt Col Carmical, with Mr Szymansky as the Deputy. In July 2008, when Lt Col Carmical was due to PCS, a new commander was introduced to the fledgling FSS, Major Jason Bush. Mr Szymansky received a request to take on a challenging job at the Air Force Services Agency in October 2008, which created the opportunity for Mr Michael Fitzmaurice to come into the 30 FSS Deputy position in December 2008. The unit won several awards in 2008, including being selected as #1 in Air Force Space Command for the Consolidated Pacific Coast Club, Arts & Crafts Center, Bowling Center, Fitness Center, Airman & Family Readiness Center, and Airman Leadership School. During a Staff Assistance Visit from the Air Force Space Command A1 Headquarters Staff, the 30 FSS was cited for 19 Best Practices and given the distinction of having made the “most progress of any peer FSS.” The unit also received an “Excellent” rating and two “Professional Team” awards, during the Operational Readiness Inspection, 2008. Major Bush also pinned on his next rank, becoming Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Bush. The unit received more accolades in 2009, garnering the #1 spot in Air Force Space Command for the Golf Course, Arts& Crafts Center, Bowling Center, Career Assistance Center, and the First Term Airmen Center. Lt Col Bush received orders to deploy in February 2010 (for 6 months), leaving the 30 FSS in the hands of Mr Fitzmaurice. Lt Col Bush was able to return for a Change of Command Ceremony in July 2010, relinquishing command to Lt Col Shane Prater.