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Security Assistance Center activates group, squadrons

  • Published
  • By Daryl Mayer
  • Air Force Security Assistance Center Public Affairs
The Air Force Security Assistance Center completed its reorganization effort with the activation of the 555th International Group in a ceremony Nov. 8 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.

The group now becomes AFSAC's primary organization responsible for supporting foreign military sales to more than 100 countries and administering the Air Force's $100 billion security assistance budget.

AFSAC is part of Air Force Materiel Command, which provides the Air Force with war-fighting capabilities on time and on cost. Both AFSAC and AFMC are headquartered at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

The ceremony also activated four subordinate units: the 755th International Materiel Squadron, the 555th International Materiel Squadron, the 555th International Logistics Squadron and the 555th International Support Squadron.

"This is yet another new chapter in the rich history of accomplishments for AFSAC," said Maj. Gen. Arthur J. Rooney Jr., AFSAC commander.

Recounting from an "inspirational book of achievements," General Rooney highlighted two innovative online applications, the Worldwide Warehouse Applications and the Parts and Repair Ordering Systems, as recent AFSAC successes. He also cited the "Outstanding" rating awarded to AFSAC by the AFMC Inspector General during the Operational Readiness Inspection in late-2004.

This activation ceremony, he said, is the capstone event to an incredibly successful year.

Introducing the group's inaugural commander, General Rooney expressed confidence in his pick.

"I didn't need to review reports or paperwork to select him. I've watched [Col.] Larry Avery's performance first hand and I know he is the right man for the job."

After accepting the unit guidon from General Rooney, symbolizing the official assumption of command, Colonel Avery turned to activate the four squadrons that will form the group.

"I'm very proud and very humbled to lead the only international group in the Air Force," said Colonel Avery.

Each of the organizations activated in the ceremony were units that last saw active service during the Second World War, he said.

For this truly expeditionary unit, Colonel Avery said, it really is a homecoming for the group after more than 60 years.

Before presiding over the assumptions of command for the four squadrons, Colonel Avery reminded his charges of the responsibilities of command, as well as its rewards. "Ask any four-star general what his favorite assignment was and he will say it was a squadron command."

"To my now fellow commanders and director, welcome," General Rooney said in closing the ceremony. "I look forward to working with you toward even greater successes in the future. I challenge you to savor your time in command; there really is nothing else like it."