388th MOS says farewell, functions move to MXG

  • Published
  • By Andrea Mason
  • Hilltop Times Editor
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  The 388th Maintenance Operations Squadron was deactivated here June 28 as part of an Air Force-wide restructuring initiative to better allocate company and field grade officers to needed positions.

"The deactivation is a result of a decision made by our senior leaders to correct an imbalance in the ratio of field grade officers to company grade officers in the maintenance officer career field," said Col. Dane West, 388th Maintenance Group commander." If not corrected, this imbalance could prove to make the maintenance officer career field unsustainable in future years as the demand for senior officers would not be met."

During the ceremony, the guidon flag was furled, and the squadron officially closed its doors.

During his remarks, West thanked Maj. Jason Ross, MOS commander, for his hard work and dedication while leading the 'Wizards.'

"Maj. Ross and his team helped put 12 more F-16s into service, which assisted our pilots to be combat-ready," West said.

With nearly 150 members, the Wizards provided support to the 388th Maintenance Group while also supporting F-16 operations.

While active, MOS members developed plans while implementing programs for deployments, contingencies and wartime tasks.

The 388th MOS traces its roots to 1942. It came to Hill in 1991 as the 388th Logistics Support Squadron and was given its current name in 2002.

The 388th MOS has a history of notable achievements, including earning three times, in 1992, 1996 and 2003, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

"The Wizards have a tremendous history of service to our nation," said Ross. "I am very proud of what they have accomplished, both at home and abroad, and the legacy they leave will be within the 388th Fighter Wing."