51st MOS deactivates

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Siuta B. Ika
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Almost 10 years after it was designated as the 51st Maintenance Operations Squadron, the 51st MOS held its deactivation ceremony in the phase hangar here July 8.

Much like a change of command ceremony, the deactivation ceremony is rooted in military history.

It is custom to furl and encase the flag of an organization when the mission of that organization is complete. While the mission of the 51st MOS is not complete, their mission set is transferring to the 51st Maintenance Group. The ceremony represented that transition and serves as a final symbol of closure for all those past and present who were a part of the squadron.

As the administrative arm of the 51st MXG, the 51st MOS was in charge of operations vital to the group and the wing, explained Col. Luis Gallegos, 51st MXG commander.

"They provided critical analysis, production planning, scheduling, quality assurance oversight, weapons and maintenance training, as well as higher headquarters fleet-health reporting," Gallegos said. "The MOS continues to ensure the entire group is running on all cylinders. You would be amazed by the amount of data that's collected everyday on every aircraft. The data that's produced not only helps us optimize turn patterns and front lines, but ensures aircrew success."

Because of their importance, Maj. Steven Oliver, 51st MOS commander, knew he had his work cut out for him when he took command of the squadron that was feeling the effects of a marginal rating during their Logistics Compliance Assessment Program inspection in 2012.

"My first objective was to fix what some thought was broken," said Oliver. "We had a short time to prepare for the relook. But I looked into the eyes of my troops and they weren't dejected, they were angry. They didn't believe the marginal rating told the true story of who they are and what they were capable of accomplishing, and neither did I. Together we focused on building from the ground up. We put the right people in place to lead the charge and slowly but surely, our focus sharpened."

That focus, Oliver said, would lead to great things for the squadron.

"Objectives were being met and we were ready for PACAF to come back and look at us again, but there was one thing missing - our squadron needed a war cry, not a squadron chant but a war cry," he said. "They came up with 'Sung Ri' which means winner. It was a perfect fit because that's what I believe we were - winners. Five strengths, one benchmark program and absolutely no discrepancies later, that is what the MOS proved."

Although proud of the 51st MOS' accomplishments as a whole, Oliver said it's the individuals in the squadron that truly made this assignment memorable.

"Building a strong foundation takes big bricks, but the small ones are just as important," he said. "Those small bricks are the pride seen in a young staff sergeant's eyes when he's led the effort to raise $5,000 for the Combined Federal Campaign. It's when we literally give the very clothes off our backs to the local orphanages. It's the camaraderie and joy in participating in Relay 4 Life. And the expression of thanks when a first sergeant moves mountains to get one of our own home to see his ailing mother and he returns with hopeful news of her condition."

Before furling and encasing the squadron flag, Oliver said one final thank you to the members of his squadron.

"We've become the vital asset needed to fight and win tonight," he said. "I've pushed hard for results and demanded more than most, because I always believed in you no matter what. It's because of the examples I've given earlier why I'm extremely humbled to be associated with you. We are the smallest squadron in the group, but the tightest wingmen I've ever seen. This was our squadron - we did this together and we go out with our heads held high. None of this could've been done without you."