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30th LCSS set to inactivate
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The 30th Launch Support Squadron is scheduled to become inactive during an inactivation ceremony in front of the 30th Launch Group here at 10 a.m. May 12.
After nearly five years, the 30th LCSS will close its doors and integrate with other squadrons at Vandenberg due to manpower and budget reasons.
"Although inactivating the squadron is very sad, it is something that needed to be done," said Lt. Col. Elena Oberg, the 30th LCSS commander. "The current members of the 30th LCSS will be greatly missed, but will be great assets to their new squadrons."
Members from the 30th LCSS will transfer to the 1st Air and Space Test Squadron, 4th Space Launch Squadron and the 30th LCG.
"Due to the unique mission, the squadron is being inactivated rather than deactivated," said Colonel Oberg. "The mission has not gone away, it has just moved to other units."
The 30th Launch Group recognized a need for a support squadron to strengthen the ability to effectively execute launch operations. In October 2005, the 30th LCSS was activated after the culmination of the Titan program because there was a need to find a home for all of the personnel formerly associated with the Titan program.
For the last five years the 30th LCSS has been responsible for the 30th LCG's payload processing and facility management.
"With unique one-of-a-kind missions, such as the Space Based Space Surveillance program, there is a need to work with the 1st ASTS for booster support as well as the 30th LCSS for payload support," said Colonel Oberg. "By handing our payload processing mission to the 1st ASTS, it simplifies the customer interface."
With more than 18 missions on the horizon, the displaced employees of the 30th LCSS will fill positions at their new squadrons and ultimately ensure the launch is executed more efficiently.
"Moving to another squadron will be a new challenge, but a welcome one," said Capt. Matthew Herrera, the 30th LCSS program management chief. "Each squadron will now be more spread out and everyone will be able to focus more on the mission. It will ultimately be better for everyone involved."