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OC-ALC deactivates 776th MXSS, becomes DLA Oklahoma City

  • Published
  • By Marti D. Ribeiro
  • ICF International
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE --  The 776th Maintenance Support Squadron deactivated and was reactivated as the Defense Logistics Agency Oklahoma City during a ceremony at the Tinker Club Feb. 8.
   The deactivation/activation, which technically took place Feb. 3, was the culmination of months of hard work to transfer the 776th MXSS to DLA as part of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission's decision to realign the supply, storage and distribution process at all depot-level maintenance facilities.
   "I was glad that we had the opportunity to do the deactivation/activation ceremony. It is important to acknowledge the outstanding accomplishments of the 776th Maintenance Support Squadron and recognize that these same individuals are what will ensure the success of Defense Logistics Agency Oklahoma City. We are a new organization, but our members have a clear understanding of the mission and have been working side-by-side with their customers for years. They are the key to ensuring continued support to the warfighter," said Lt. Col. Kelly Larson, Commander, Defense Logistics Agency Oklahoma City.
   Since its inception in 1970, the 776th MXSS has undergone six name changes to what is now DLA Oklahoma City.
   "For more than 38 years, we've remained essential to the maintenance, repair and overhaul on bombers, tankers and engines and we have continued to endure with success," said Brig. Gen. Judy Fedder, 76th Maintenance Wing commander, Oklahoma City-Air Logistics Center. "We've changed flags before, so we know how to make this transition successful."
   For those working with the Tinker BRAC Transition Team, the effort to transfer 324 employees to another organization included months of telephone conferences with DLA and other air logistics centers, as well as lining up the appropriate paperwork to transfer with the employees. This transition included transfer of personnel records, Common Access Cards, computer/production equipment and various other assets from one organization to the other.
   With all the hard work that went into this transition, it's not a surprise that it was a success according to John Aguilar, 76th Maintenance Support Group Director, who reminded the ceremony audience of all the great accomplishments earned by the 776th MXSS.
   "This team flawlessly managed a $375 million general support division stock fund to purchase parts in support of depot maintenance," he said.
They've developed analysis tools to get a head of parts problems, increased material management and adapted to ever-changing customer needs to include transformational initiatives, he said.
   According to Mr. Aguilar, the support squadron has been reborn into DLA with the same leadership, dedication and inspiration that made it great. The challenge is to establish new relationships and interfaces, sustaining the same focus on mission.
   The director of the transitioning organization, Elaine Dockray, jokingly stated that she wasn't biased, but that the 776th MXSS issued on average 4.5 million parts per year to maintenance shops, and they've been the best at finding those parts that nobody else seems to be able to find.
   According to Ms. Dockray, it's good to reflect on past accomplishments, but this ceremony is about the future.
   "We will continue our dedication to mission and professionalism that's needed to support the warfighter," she said.
   The 776th MXSS was officially deactivated by the covering of the unit flag by the Tinker Honor Guard and the unfurling of the new DLA flag.
   "DLA embraces our new team members and we will ensure their welfare," said Marine Col. Gary Weist, Defense Supply Center Richmond, deputy commander for operations. "We take advantage of this opportunity and strive to raise the level of support to our maintenance customers and DLA."