MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- During the recent 42nd Medical Support Squadron's Inactivation Ceremony on May 13, 2022, Maxwell closed and opened a new chapter in its history books.
The inactivation is part of a greater strategic effort to ensure that the Air Force Medical Service is postured to support new and emerging requirements while aligning resources to effectively manage readiness requirements, staff development, and patient safety.
Under the Air Force Medical Reform model, dedicated provider care teams align with the 42nd Operational Medical Readiness Squadron to provide care and support for active-duty service members to improve their availability to support the warfighting mission.
Care for non-active-duty patients, primarily the families of service members and military retirees, are handled by separate provider teams aligned to the 42nd Healthcare Operations Squadron.
"The AFMS has merged squadrons in medium to small MTFs to gain further efficiencies and adjust to a resource-constrained environment. The incorporation of support and ancillary elements into this Health Care Operations Squadron is the last step in the reform effort," said Col. Zoya Lee-Zerkel, 42nd MDG commander. "We are here today to make that transition and to thank Lt Col Ortiz and the members of the Medical Support Squadron for their outstanding efforts in leading the Medical Group to success."
"The 42 MDSS is the backbone of medical capabilities across the installation," noted Lt. Col. Hiram Ortiz, 42nd MDSS commander. "This group of professional Airmen will continue to guarantee the 42nd Medical Group's ability to provide the safest and most effective medical care while ensuring that our fellow service members are medically ready when our nation needs them."
Personnel from the 42nd MDSS will transition to the 42nd HCOS under the new model. The 42nd MDSS will transition medical logistics, medical information services, personnel and administration, TRICARE operations and patient administration, pharmacy, clinical laboratory, and diagnostic imaging functions to the 42nd HCOS.
"The inactivation will have minimum impact on the day-to-day delivery of healthcare to our beneficiaries and continues the great work and customer service provided by the professionals of MDSS," said Lt. Col. Paul Smith, 42nd HCOS commander.