944 FSS takes their skills to Japan

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Debra Tofil
  • 944th Mission Support Group deputy commander
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, ARIZ. --  The 944th Fighter Wing continues as a role-model for total force integration in the Air Force with active duty and Reserve members working together, seamlessly achieving the mission at hand. 

This was highlighted during a recent 944th Force Support Squadron annual tour deployment to the 18th Fighter Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan, where they worked with the largest Force Support Squadron in the entire Air Force. 

The 18 FSS is significantly larger than the 944 FSS being comprised of 2,500 Active Duty, Department of Defense civilians, contractors and Japanese National employees with an operating budget and capital assets of $119 million.  They provide direct community wellness activities and support during war and peacetime to over 24,000 members at Kadena AB, Japan.

Members of the 944 FSS, including Air Reserve Technicians and Traditional Reservists, gained invaluable experience, both professionally and culturally, during their two-week annual tour deployment. 

The 18 FSS welcomed them immediately upon arrival with an open mind, professionalism and the utmost respect.

"My active duty NCOIC took the time apart from my flight kitchen duties to mentor me on enlisted performance report bullet writing even though I'm a senior airman," said Senior Airman Michelle Nobles, 944 FSS service technician. "It was very valuable to me and I learned a lot from her."

944 FSS personnel were assigned to augment various offices throughout the 18 FSS supporting sections in personnel readiness, lodging, recreation/fitness, dining facilities, customer service, personnel systems and force management.  They also provided 24-hour coverage in some sections and participated in a local chemical gear exercise.
 
"I was originally in the dining facilities but the 18 FSS needed me to augment mortuary affairs during the exercise," said Tech. Sgt. Keisha Mason, 944 FSS, services journeyman. "I was able to experience processing remains from start to finish and now I know where I fit in the process and how important what I do, really is." 

In addition, members obtained essential resiliency training and certification which will benefit all members of the 944 FW.

"Being one of only three members now trained in the 944 FW, we will be able to contribute effectively to resiliency programs such as wingman and suicide prevention day," stated Master Sgt. Jeff Braselton, Chief,  944 FSS chief, personnel systems management. 

Some Reserve members were even given a unique opportunity to work at Okuma recreation area.
"It was a completely different aspect of services from what I had ever worked in," said Tech. Sgt. James Oberhaus III, 944 FSS program manager for development and training flight. "I learned very quickly how important team work was and that working outside your career field was how the personnel stationed at Okuma survived with only a small team of seven stationed there."

Only 27 personnel were on the annual tour deployment, however, they made a huge, positive impact on the nearly 2,500 personnel squadron.

"The 944 FW team worked seamlessly with ours and we even have a couple of them playing along in the exercise," said Mr. Mark Johnson, 18 FSS deputy commander.  "We just wish they had more than a couple weeks here.  We're thankful for what we can get just the same."