422nd MDS activates at RAF Croughton

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brian Stives
  • 501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs
RAF CROUGHTON, United Kingdom --  Lt. Col. Stephanie McCue became the first commander of the 422nd Medical Squadron during an activation ceremony at the RAF Croughton Crown Nov 28.

The newly formed 422nd MDS takes its lineage from the U.S. Air Force Clinic Fairford, which was activated Aug. 1, 1981, and deactivated Sept. 1, 1988.

"I'm excited about the opportunities we have with standing up the 422nd Medical Squadron," said Col. Charles Hamilton, 422nd Air Base Group commander. "This designation gives us the ability to improve on our great accomplishments as we officially organize our personnel and resources to provide greater care to our air base group family and mission partners.

"I know the first commander of the 422nd Medical Squadron will provide the kind of visionary and inspired leadership we expect," said Hamilton." I'm confident she will lead this team to greater accomplishments and continue to assure the absolute greatest level of care to the 422nd Air Base Group and our mission partners."

"Sir, I'd like to thank you for entrusting me with this important responsibility," McCue said to Hamilton during her opening remarks.

McCue than talked to the crowd of more than 40 people and expressed how she felt about taking her first step in leadership.

"I can't tell you how thrilled I am to be standing here as the 422nd MDS commander," she said. "It's an honor and a privilege and one I take very seriously."

She then talked about her leadership style.

"I have a fairly easy approach to leadership," she said while looking at the 422nd MDS formation standing in the corner of the room. "Simply take care of your people and your people will take care of you and the mission. Make sure you keep yourself safe and healthy and your families safe and happy."

McCue then stepped away from the podium and received the first-ever salute from the members of the 422nd MDS.

The U.S. Air Force Clinic Fairford was an outpatient clinic offering primary care, aeromedical and mental health services. The clinic earned the Navy Meritorious Unit Citation for its service from April 10 to 16, 1986, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for its service from July 1, 1984 to June 30, 1986.