Elmendorf forms new squadron Published Oct. 21, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Christopher Gross 3rd Wing Public Affairs ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Elmendorf's 3rd Mission Support Squadron and 3rd Services Squadron will be officially merged to form the 3rd Force Support Squadron Oct. 23 at the Susitna Club. On the day of the merger, the 3rd MSS will deactivate and Lt. Col. Rita Snyder will relinquish her command. The 3rd SVS will then be re-designated and the former 3rd MSS will be designated under them creating the 3rd FSS under the command of Lt. Col. Derek Contreras. Elmendorf is one of the last bases to complete this merger due to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson activities. The Air Force started the merger process about two years ago to create more of an organizational structure change, said Master Sgt. Stephanie Thomas, future 3rd FSS Section Chief. She said that both squadrons have many functions in common and for structure purposes it makes sense to merge. Thomas also said there won't be much functional change. Personnel that fell under the 3rd SVS before will still be working at lodging, the dining facilities and the fitness center. Former 3rd MSS, personnel will still be working at customer service, career development and family readiness, she said. In essence, learning new office symbols and new personnel will be the only changes, said Thomas. The 3rd FSS will consist of approximately 770 members combined of military and civilians. "Leadership perspective is where a lot of the changes will occur," said Capt. Paul Nieto, future 3rd FSS Manpower and Personnel Flight commander. "As commanders and flight chiefs, there will be more responsibility to take on." Although there will be structure change from within, the changes will be transparent to the customer, said Nieto. They won't know that a change has even occurred. "Pretty much all the moves have been completed," said Thomas. "It's a new process, but it's moving forward. As of now there are no worries or issues. I think it will be a good challenge."