374 MOS inactivates at Yokota

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Desiree Economides
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  The 374th Maintenance Operations Squadron inactivated in a ceremony held in Hangar 15, July 31, 2013, at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

The 374 MOS lineage dates back to Aug. 17, 1948, when it was the 374th Base Service Squadron, Troop Carrier, Heavy. The unit received five Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards between 1992 and 2005.

The inactivation of the MOS occurred following a directive from the Pentagon released in February 2013. According to the release, the inactivation will allow for better alignment of the field and company grade officers and make the career field more sustainable.

"Just because we are no longer called a squadron, does not minimize your efforts," said Capt. Fernando Rolon, 374 MOS commander, as he addressed the squadron formation. "Each section has a vital role in ensuring mission success and without these functions; leaders at every level will not be able to employ these weapon systems efficiently and effectively."

Although the squadron inactivated, the personnel will remain at Yokota and become members of 374th Maintenance Operations, performing their mission, monitoring fleet health and trending functions for the 374th Airlift Wing. The unit will continue to provide logistical and aircraft maintenance specialist training to more than 575 personnel in diverse career fields.

"I'm tremendously proud of the folks in maintenance operations," said Col. Kevin Sampels, 374th Maintenance Group commander. "They are a highly trained, very dedicated group of people and I couldn't ask anything more from them."