Brooklyn AF Reserve medical unit closes

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman William P. O'Neil III
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing
MCGUIRE AFB, N.J. -- --  A ceremony was held in final salute to the 722nd Aeromedical Staging Squadron Nov. 4 at the Community Club at Fort Hamilton Army Post, Brooklyn, N.Y., commemorating the unit's deactivation at the end of November. 

The Reserve squadron was a geographically separated squadron of the 514th Air Mobility Wing at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J. Closure of the squadron was a result of the Air Force Reserve Command's reductions and are in support Air Force Missions in the future. 

Goodbyes echoed and tears streamed as more than 150 squadron members, along with their families and friends, attended the closing ceremony of the unit credited with 42 years of service. 

Commander Col. Debra L. Waddell recognized outstanding performers at the ceremony and presented Meritorious Service, Commendation, and Achievement medals. 

"This unit was defined by diversity. Everyone came together with their ideas while respecting and accepting one another," said Colonel Waddell. "We were like our own little island, supporting and taking care of each other. We really were a close family here," she stated of the separated unit. 

The722nd ASTS began Feb. 3, 1965 as the 34th Medical Service Evacuation Squadron, along with a sister unit, the 35th Medical Service Evacuation Squadron. The two units replaced the 635th Hospital at Mitchell Field, Garden City, N.Y., which was deactivated June 1965. The 34th MSES relocated from the U.S. Coast Guard Base, Governors Island, N.Y., to Roslyn Air National Guard Station, N.Y in1987. 

In October of 1990, 68 members deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. While deployed the unit underwent a name change, as the medical service evacuation squadrons were renamed Aeromedical Patient Staging Squadrons. In October 1994, the unit was renamed the 722nd Aeromedical Staging Squadron. 

Throughout the years squadron members supported numerous operations to include Operation Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Noble Eagle. Volunteer deployments continued until June 2007. 

Technical Sgt. Joan L. Gregg, medical technician, shared her reflections on the unit's deactivation. 

"I recently joined the 722nd in April 2007," said Sergeant Gregg. "It was very small and unique and I liked the idea that it was the only Air Force squadron on an Army (post), but I am very sad. I was working on growing in rank here and wanted to take advantage of learning from the strong influence of this small group." 

"I feel so very sad," said Maj. Jennie P. Cumberbatch-Smith, another member of the unit. "I have been with this unit for over 26 years and grew up from being an enlisted member into a commissioned officer. I am losing a part of my family." 

The 722nd Aeromedical Staging Squadron was one of five geographically separated squadrons and one detachment to be deactivated in November. Other locations include:
- Fairchild AFB, Wash., 604th Medical Squadron
- Kirtland AFB, N.M., 704th Medical Squadron
- Greenville, S.C., 84th Aerial Port Squadron
- Wyoming City, Pa., 92nd APS, three full time and 129 part-time
- Morgantown, W.Va., Det. 1, 911th Civil Engineer Squadron