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END OF AN ERA: Tinker's Combat Logistics Support Squadron one of first to inactivate

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  • By Brandice J. Armstrong
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE --  It is the end of an era. 
   Officials inactivated the 654th Combat Logistics Support Squadron July 2 at the base theater. Approximately 100 people attended the ceremony, including four former commanders: retired Maj. Edwin Cousin, Col. Charles Westgate III, retired Lt. Col. Gregory Broardt and Col. Lee Levy III. 
   "The CLSS existed for the sole purpose of being the heavy hitters in aircraft maintenance," said Col. Casey Hughson, 76th Aircraft Maintenance Group commander and speaker at the inactivation ceremony. "They responded literally on a moment's notice, [equipped] with tools and talent to perform miracles and most importantly, allow field Airmen to get back to what should be their primary focus: generating air power for America." 
   Combat logistics support squadrons, which perform aircraft battle damage repair, first debuted during the Vietnam War and proved to be a vital asset. As other conflicts, including the Korean War, raged on, the squadrons were in high demand. 
   "I consider it to be the '911' force for logistics," said Colonel Westgate. "If anyone across the world needed something, we were always there to help out." 
   Yet, in recent years, fighting methods have changed and aircraft battle damage has not been as severe. As a result, Air Force Materiel Command officials decided to inactivate the squadrons, starting with Tinker's 654th CLSS, a 40-year-old unit. Combat logistics support squadrons at Robins Air Force Base, Ga.; and Hill AFB, Utah; will inactivate in 2009 and 2010, respectively. 
   "It's almost surreal for me to be standing here today putting to rest this squadron that has played such a pivotal role in virtually every military conflict since the Vietnam War," said Maj. Robert Copes, the 654th CLSS's most recent commander, who transferred to the 552nd Maintenance Squadron. "But, as we look to the future, it's clear, as our aircraft have become more technically advanced, the aircraft battle damage repair services the squadron provides are not needed as often as they were in the past. Our manpower can be put to better use in the field generating sorties for the warfighter." 
   The 654th CLSS workload has transferred to the 76th AMXG's depot repair lines and 25 members from the squadron have regrouped in a new unit under the 76th AMXG, designated the Expeditionary Depot Maintenance Flight. Remaining squadron members, roughly 65 Airmen, have transferred to other Tinker units, other Air Force bases, or retired. 
   "It's been an absolute honor and privilege to serve as the commander of this noteworthy unit," Major Copes said. "The opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Colonel Westgate, Colonel Levy, Colonel Broardt, Major Cousin and the 27 others before me, to be a part of the best CLSS in the Air Force, has been the highlight of my career. 
   "To the men and women of the 654th Combat Logistics Support Squadron, thank you for your service before self, your commitment to excellence and most of all your integrity," Major Copes said.