DUKE FIELD, Fla. -- Whether it’s preparing for a physical fitness test or enjoying a homestyle cooked meal at the dining facility, all Citizen Air Commandos have benefited from the skills and services of Airmen in the 919th Special Operations Force Support Squadron services flight.
The services flight at Duke Field supports a wide range of base activities to supplement the needs of the unit and its dynamic mission.
“We’re the main support entity for the wing and all their activities,” said Capt. Nathaniel Dillenbeck, 919th SOFSS services flight officer in charge. “Whether that’s the people flying aircraft or here on the ground, we’re supporting all of them.”
The 919th SOFSS services flight handles lodging, morale, sustenance, and fitness needs across the base. This means managing and maintaining the fitness center, fitness testing, dining facility and lodging operations on base.
“Our Airmen are trained to be jacks of all trades,” said Dillenbeck. “We shift them around between specialties to make sure they’re technical experts in every area.”
The 919th SOFSS services flight provides support throughout an Airman’s life cycle, including mortuary services.
Mortuary is primarily a deployed capability. The 919th SOFSS flight service members who work in mortuary affairs tackle the identification and preparation of the deceased for their families back home.
“We make sure they’re presentable before we send them home to their families,” said Senior Airman Micah Poole, 919th SOFSS services member. “We handle all the paperwork associated and ensure proper delivery.”
Another unique ability provided by the services flight is their ability to move large pallets or containers of cargo. As part of this skill set, all services flight members are trained to build tents and operate forklifts so they can assist in establishing mobile kitchens and billeting accommodations in austere environments.
“We build up shelters and maintain tents for service members to sleep in,” said Dillenbeck. “This is just one example of the behind-the-scenes work we do to make a base run and operate.”
While this task is one of many of a wide range of skill sets possessed by the career field, the services flight continues to provide critical support to the 919th Special Operations Wing and its assets.
“These Airmen are hard-working folks,” said Poole. “It’s really amazing how we’re able to feed and support the base and make sure everything’s just right.”