42nd Air Base Wing units will merge to form Force Support Squadron Published June 26, 2009 By Carl Bergquist Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- A merger of the 42nd Services Division and 42nd Mission Support Squadron to form the 42nd Force Support Squadron will take place July 1 and is intended to maximize customer service, reduce costs inherent to maintaining separate organizations, and to modernize processes. "The merger of the two organizations will enhance the quality of services currently provided and enable more efficient and effective support to Maxwell-Gunter's 'people programs,'" said Maj. Kathryn Brown, 42nd Services Division chief. Major Brown, who will assume command of the new 42nd FSS from Maj. Kerry Proulx, said the merger will involve bringing Services, Manpower and Personnel into a single organization. The Manpower and Personnel communities merged several years ago and will now be joined by the Services community. The 42nd FSS will be made up of more than 700 professionals, including military, appropriated fund and non-appropriated fund civilian members. The organization will be divided into five flights that cover Force Development, Manpower and Personnel, Airmen and Family Services, Sustainment Services and Community Services. "I am incredibly proud of the members of both organizations and the FSS team we are building and look forward to continuing to provide exceptional service to our community," said Major Brown. The merger ceremony will take place at the Maxwell Officers' Club at 3 p.m. on July 1. The event will involve the deactivation of 42nd SD and the 42nd MSS, the activation of 42nd FSS, and the 42nd FSS Change of Command with Major Proulx "handing the reins" to Major Brown.