256 CBCS moves to Fairchild Published Nov. 23, 2009 By Major Sandy Smock 141st Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Fairchild has experienced the results of the 2005 Department of Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission directives requiring the consolidation of select National Guard and other Reserve Component units into multifunctional training and readiness centers and strategically located bases across the state. BRAC identified the 242nd Combat Communications Squadron, located at Geiger Field, and the 256 Combat Communications Squadron, located at Four Lakes near Cheney, for relocation onto Fairchild. The 242nd CBCS will complete their moves later in 2010. However, for cost savings, the relocation of the 256th CBCS was pushed up from 2011 to 2009. After further cost analysis and factors of the Total Force Integration with the association between the 141st Air Refueling Wing and the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, building 447 former 141st Headquarters, is the final destination for the majority of 256 CBCS members. A limited amount of personnel will be located with 92nd ARW and 141st ARW buildings. Total full-time 256 CBCS manning consist of 19 and the traditional force is 108 strong. With challenges of reduction of manning, change of command, career field changes and pushed up deadlines for a major move, 256th CBCS personnel have made each day count by staying focused on requirements and using every available resource to ensure a successful move. "We are adaptive and everybody has a great attitude. It has been a seamless move and both the 92nd and 141st have been so supportive," said Lt. Col. Candace Smallfoot, 256th CBCS Detachment commander. The unit is 95 percent moved from their prior location with only a few pieces of equipment left in storage. Two key players in making the move successful were Senior Master Sgt. Rob Croyle, Information Flight superintendant, and Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Anderson, Squadron superintendant. "The key has been to maximize utilization of space. We have moved to a smaller area so we are trying to put like functions together," said Anderson. The 256th CBCS provides communications and maintains combat readiness for the mobilization, deployment, and employment of theater communications in support of national security objectives. They also provide personnel and equipment to support state mobilizations for fires, floods, civil emergencies, and emergency communications. Senior Master Sgt. Croyle has spent 19 years of his career with the 256th CBCS in the same building. A benefit of co-location at Fairchild will be no more long trips to get required business accomplished. However, with a move from such a remote area many changes are inevitable. "We will miss our autonomy. We have been doing business our way for so long. It is so important for us to keep our Guard identity while joining other teams," said Croyle. As change becomes the norm and the 256th CBCS members make Fairchild their new home new relationships will form and old relationships will remain vital. Missions will continue to be successfully executed while Guard members continue to embrace the diverse culture of total integration and their new location.