763rd changes to 823rd Maintenance Squadron

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — The 763rd Maintenance Squadron has transitioned to the 823rd Maintenance Squadron, effective Apr.10, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

The name change signifies the squadron’s alignment with its sister-squadrons to become a more cohesive unit.

The 763rd was originally under the 563rd Maintenance Group at Air Force Special Operations Command, however, the squadron was redesignated after it moved to Air Combat Command and the 23rd Maintenance Group.

“[This transition] will align us with the rest of the 23rd Maintenance Group,” said Chief Master Sgt. McKinney Crawford, 763rd MXG maintenance superintendant. “Our squadrons are all HH-60 helicopter squadrons. The one in Moody [Air Force Base] is the 723rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the one in Davis-Mothan [Air Force Base] is 923rd MXS, but we’re still carrying 763rd MXS, which is the old designator from AFSOC when we use to fall under 563rd group.”

Squadron members said they are excited for the change-over and alignment with sister squadrons.

“We’ll be part of a three-squadron group,” said Master Sgt. Dana Sawyer, 763rd MXS weapons section chief.

Sawyer said the change is important for the group because it demonstrates, “the unity of the three different squadrons.”

The day-to-day operations for those under the 763rd MXG will not differ because of the redesignation.

“This transition is going to be pretty much transparent to everyone that works here,” Crawford said. “It’s not going to encompass anything new, and we won’t have to reorganize any flights, sections, or anything like that.

“What the change does do for us is make sure we know what our identity is,” he said. “And, that is very important.”

The squadron’s new identity and pride are reflected throughout Airmen of the 823rd MXS.

“Showing the unity of the three different squadrons is important,” Sawyer said. “I think it actually instills more pride to be part of something bigger. We feel like we’re more of a team.”

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jason Couillard

U.S. Air Force Colonel Neal Robinson, 23rd Maintenance Group commander, Moody Air Force Base, Ga., and Maj. Louis Cumming, 823rd Maintenance Squadron commander, activate the 823rd Maintenance Squadron April 10, 2012, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The 763rd MXS was replaced by the 823rd MXS effective April 10, 2012.

(Editor’s note:  See pages here for more information and photos on this story.)