OSF flies past threshold to OSS Published June 10, 2010 By Capt. Tim Wade 931st ARG/PA McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. -- Similar to a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, the 931st Air Refueling Group flight here will undergo a transformation. The 931st Operations Support Flight will become the 931st Operations Squadron around July 12. The 931st OSS will be responsible for operations plans and tactics; current operations - mission development, scheduling, aircrew resource management, aircrew flight equipment and other combat related staff functions supporting the 931st ARG. The news of the designation comes less than two months after Air Force Reserve Command allocated additional personnel to the flight to meet mission requirements. "The addition of 22 personnel allocations by AFRC generated the change from OSF to OSS as it pushed us over the threshold for squadron designation," said Colonel Jones. In addition to the new slots, the unit expects to receive two more Reserve allocations- a first sergeant and director of operations. That brings the unit's personnel total to 38, Colonel Jones included. One change which may take longer than the flight's designation to a squadron is the unit patch design approval. Colonel Jones already has a few ideas for the patch. "Of course, we'll have to change from 'Flt' to 'Sq.'", he said. "I have spoken with the AFRC historian office and the process to change an approved patch is lengthy. I expect it will take at least 90 days to make a change. We are looking at changing the color of the border to dark grey instead of yellow." The upcoming changes have brought a buzz to the flight. "We are excited about the change," said Colonel Jones. "Being designated as a squadron will not change how we do business, since we already function like a squadron; however, the name change will give our folks the recognition they deserve for the hard work that they do." The unit is planning an official ceremony to commemorate the event. More details are forthcoming by unit.