Med Group Activates Two New Squadrons

Published Sept. 17, 2007
By Peggy Hodge
SMC Public Affairs

Los Angeles Air Force Base -- The 61st Medical Operations Squadron and the 61st Medical Support Squadron became the two newest medical squadrons at Los Angeles Air Force Base during an activation ceremony held in the Gordon Conference Center, Sept. 12.

"Thank you for attending today's historic ceremony marking the activation of the 61st Medical Operations Squadron and the 61st Medical Support Squadron," said Col. Brian Deckert, commander of the 61st Medical Group.

This new medical group organizational structure will provide increased effectiveness and clear command authority to accomplish the mission, the colonel explained. This does not change our unique mission of worldwide health care delivery and sustainment of military readiness for America's warfighters and our allies, he said.

"Just one short year ago, we celebrated our redesignation from the 61st Medical Squadron to the 61st Medical Group--an activity that would lead to culminating in the two activation ceremonies we are celebrating today," said Deckert.

Lt. Col. Bernadette Anderson became the Commander of the 61st Medical Operations Squadron.

"Colonel Anderson has made a difference where ever she has served. I've been impressed by Bernadette's seemingly tireless work ethic, her well-honed leadership skills, but most of all by her providers' heart," he said. "Every decision she has made in the past year has had each one of you in mind."

The Medical Operations Squadron provides customer-focused healthcare services to all eligible Department of Defense beneficiaries, ensuring medical readiness and combat capability of its active and reserve duty members.

Lt. Col. K. David Huth became the Commander of the 61st Medical Support Squadron.

"Lt. Col. Dave Huth arrived just this last June and assumed the role of our chief operating officer," said Deckert.

"His credentials are also very noteworthy. He earned a doctorate of management and organizational leadership in his 'spare' time while serving as the Director of Operations and Administrator of the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan.

"For those of us familiar with the life of a DO, 'spare' time is a luxury," said the colonel.

The Medical Support Squadron provides administrative, ancillary, and support services including resource and financial management, pharmacy, information management and information technology, laboratory, contract management, diagnostic, plant management, medical readiness management, and TRICARE management services for the Medical Group.

"This is the type of leadership we need at the helms of the 61st Medical Operations Squadron and the 61st Medical Support Squadron," said Deckert.

New Medical Squadrons