SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The 52nd Maintenance Group reorganized two of its former squadrons into a single combined one during a redesignation ceremony in Hangar One at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, July 14, 2016.
The 52nd Component Maintenance Squadron and 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron have been retired and are now consolidated into the new 52nd Maintenance Squadron.
“This merger will streamline support to the flightline, remove redundant overhead and free up manpower for tasks,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Stephen Scherzer, 52nd MXG commander. “The mission will not change: there will be no impact on Airmen working the flightline or the backshop. The change should only be a managerial aspect only."
During the ceremony, U.S. Air Force Maj. David Marce, 52nd EMS commander and former 52nd CMS commander, had the honor of retiring the 52nd EMS squadron guidon.
“I have noticed over the last two years and two commands we have an awesome team standing right here,” Marce said. “Blending you into a maintenance squadron is going to be easy.”
U.S. Air Force Maj. Strysan Murrell, 52nd MXS commander and former 52nd CMS commander, also retired her squadron's guidon before assuming command of the 52nd MXS.
"Like our predecessors, we have seen many changes in recent years," Murrell said. "Much has been asked for, and much will be continually asked. Let's remember your efforts will be the key to our success."
The mission statement for the 52nd MXS is to provide safe and reliable aircraft, equipment, munitions maintenance, aircraft engines, components and systems to the 52nd Fighter Wing enabling unique forward-based airpower capabilities in support of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, U.S. Central Command and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.