100th OSS keeps 100th ARW's heart beating

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dillon Johnston
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  (Editor's note: This is the first installment of a three part series on the 100th Operations Support Squadron and its diverse mission)

As one of the most diverse squadrons on RAF Mildenhall, the 100th Operations Support Squadron is integral in the success of the overall mission of the 100th Air Refueling Wing.
 
With six flights and 13 different career fields all working together to get the job done, the 100th OSS is "the heartbeat of the 100th," according to Lt. Col. Christopher Bennett, 100th OSS commander.

The 100th OSS supports the flying missions in and out of RAF Mildenhall. The squadron is responsible for airfield management, aircrew flight equipment and weather support, as well as working together with the aircraft maintainers to keep the tankers in the air and functioning at full capacity.

Bennett said support is in the name, business, blood and DNA of the 100th OSS.

The squadron also employs the use of a flight simulator to keep pilots trained for any scenario. The simulator is useful, as it allows pilots to always be up to date with the newest training exercises without the dangers of actually performing the maneuvers in the air, and it keeps fuel consumption down.

Another function of the 100th OSS is scheduling and preparing flights. The organization also keeps records of all flights flown.

Because not everyone interacts directly with the squadron, many people don't see exactly what they do. The 100th OSS acts as the "invisible hand" that makes everything happen, said Bennett.

Bennett said he provides the foundation and leadership of the squadron as the commander.

"I take care of the Airmen who do the mission," said Bennett.

Bennett said he makes sure all the pieces of the squadron come together to support the tankers, which in turn support the Air Force mission as a whole.

Lt. Col. Michael Horowitz, 100th OSS deputy commander, said he oversees the day-to-day functions of the flights in the OSS.

"We have six (flights) who have very diverse skill sets that are all needed to support operations here," said Horowitz. "I choreograph all of those support functions and put them toward the common goal of keeping our missions going."

The 100th OSS prides itself on its constant support of operations aiding not only the U.S., but U.S. Air Forces in Europe and NATO as well.

"(The 100th OSS) will always be there, 100 percent of the time," said Bennett. "The work won't stop, even if the cashcow gets smaller."

While the main mission of the 100th OSS is to support flying missions, there is also a large focus on the family unit. Bennett said he feels that the 100th OSS is a part of his family now.

"I told my wife when I took the commander position that our family had just grown by 120 active duty members, plus their dependents," said Bennett.

For the future, the 100th OSS will continue to grow and develop its next generation of Airmen and leaders, but for now its focus is on the short term. Crushing the upcoming combined unit inspection and preparing the airfield for future aircraft operations are the squadron's current goals.