Historic Maxwell flight redesignated to squadron Published Dec. 3, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Erica Picariello 42 Air Base Wing Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The 42nd Operations Support Flight was designated the 42nd Operations Support Squadron at a ceremony Oct. 31, 2014, here. The new squadron will better serve Maxwell's operational mission and have an increase in responsibilities. "[Being a squadron] serves the 42nd Air Base Wing and mission partners better by ensuring sole integration of the diverse skillsets that make up necessary components to support the base's aviation operations," said Maj. James Hudnell, 42nd OSS commander. "Although there is not a 42nd Operations Group, the 42nd OSS is able to provide some elements of that sphere of influence with mission partners and off-base agencies to support the base's aviation related goals as well as Air Education and Training Command's. In addition, it provides other wings with aviation operations an avenue to voice aviation operations related interests to Maxwell. Finally, it ensures a singular voice for aviation operations support to the 42nd Air Base Wing by placing all support related facets under one squadron." Aviation isn't something new for this operations squadron; it has a rich history in avionics dating back to the mid-20th century. "The 42nd OSS dates its history back to the 42nd Airdrome Squadron, constituted on Jan. 25, 1943," said Master Sgt. Bobby Hernandez, 42nd OSS chief controller. "The squadron saw recent transformations to include adding specialties such as aviation resource management, weather, air traffic control, airfield systems, airfield management, transient alert and precision measuring equipment lab, leading to the re-designation of the flight to the 42nd OSS in November 2014. Over its history, the unit has received six Air Force Outstanding Unit awards." With the re-designation from flight to squadron, this world-class unit plans on delivering the same caliber of service associated with its lineage since 1943. "This group of professionals will continue to provide first-class aviation training records support, air traffic control support, airfield management operations support, airfield system support, weather support, aircraft transient alert support and precision measurement equipment lab support for the Southeast," Hudnell said. "This squadron's effort to be both flexible and adaptable to the change in aviation operations enables the 908th Air Refueling Squadron to conduct missions, Civil Air Patrol to support continental United States flight operations and safely handle distinguished visitors from the second busiest [distinguished visitor] location in the Department of Defense."