Specialized Contracting Squadron stands up

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ryan Crane
  • USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The 764th Specialized Contracting Squadron was officially activated Oct. 2 at the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa conference center following the creation of the newly centralized Air Force Installation Contracting Agency.

Maj. Rachelle Osborn assumed command of the newly activated squadron with Col. Mario Troncoso, AFICA director, presiding over the ceremony.

"Today, the 764th is the first specialized contracting squadron to officially stand up," said Troncosco. "And that is all because of the hard work of Rachelle and her amazing team."

The mission of the 764th SCONS is to provide acquisition support to all of USAFE-AFAFRICA for purchases worth more than $2 million or any amount that supports multiple locations.

The function the 764th SCONS provides was previously supported by the 700th Contracting Squadron specialized contracting flight. Under the re-alignment of the contracting agencies around the Air Force, all specialized contracting flights will now be squadrons that fall under the newly formed AFICA.

Similar specialized contracting squadrons will be activated at each major command in the Air Force to provide commanders with the same support across the service.

"I couldn't be more proud," said Troncosco to Osborn, "and I look forward to your leadership as you go forward and take command of the 764th."

During the ceremony, Osborn spoke about the future of the 764th SCONS and how she hopes her leadership and the hard work of the squadron will impact the Air Force.

"This is a huge day," said Osborn. "The creation of a new contracting squadron is rare and will likely never happen again in my career and we are all here to be a part of it."

Major Osborn ended the ceremony with words of encouragement to the newly activated squadron.

"I took the guidon today as a symbol, but this is about you as the squadron," she said. "I could not have done all of this without you. I am super excited for what lies ahead. We still have a lot of work to do, but I look forward to taking that journey with you all."