2nd AIRPS leaves 86th MSG, joins USAFE

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jonathan Bass
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  In a ceremony described as a re-designation, reassignment, and reorganization all in one, the 2nd Air Postal Squadron here, left the 86th Mission Support Group and joined Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe today.

The reassignment portion came because of a move from the 86th MSG, one of the 86th Airlift Wing’s groups, to USAFE.

“This is an important day for the 86th AW, the USAFE-AFAFRICA staff and most importantly, the Airmen of the air postal squadron,” said Col. Jonathan Sutherland, Headquarters USAFE-Air Forces Africa director of communications, who presided over the ceremony. “This is a unique ceremony and one that you won’t see very often. In fact, I’ve been in the Air Force for 30 years and have only attended less than a handful of these ceremonies over the years.”

The ceremony gave the base a chance to say thank you to the Airmen of the squadron for their superb efforts, added Sutherland.

The squadron was re-designated as the USAFE-AFAFRICA AIRPS to mimic the change in authority, and was reorganized because of a merger with the A6 Postal Operations Brach in USAFE headquarters.

“This move consolidates USAFE-AFAFRICA postal operations into one organization,” said Lt. Col. James Huso, USAFE AIRPS commander. “Ensuring concentrated efforts for every objective under a single Field Operating Agency commander.”

While the names and commands have shifted slightly, the mission has grown exponentially, said Huso.

“For the last 12 years, the 2nd AIRPS was responsible for the transportation of mail only,” said Huso. “Our mission stopped once the mail arrived at the military post office. Now we'll own the entire process: Training, inspection, operational planning, policy oversight, and direct liaison with the Military Postal Service Agency and other federal agencies for all Air Force postal operations within our theater.”

The change was made due to disjointed postal operations, said Huso.

“Not only do we gain the obvious efficiencies from being in a single organization but also the establishment of the new FOA results in a reduction of personnel and financial requirements,” said Huso.

Since its foundation in 1952, the squadron has embraced change, experiencing activations, re-designations, and organizational changes from various locations in Germany and from headquarters to the wing and back, said Sutherland.

Huso added that while they will miss the outstanding leadership and partnership with the entire 86th MSG team, he looks forward to the future.

“We couldn't ask for a better group of commanders, senior enlisted leaders, and support professionals. They are the best.”