BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. –
The 940th Wing at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., held a career fair during their March Unit Training Assembly in an attempt to find new jobs for the members of the 13th Reconnaissance Squadron.
In February, officials from Air Force Reserve Command announced the deactivation of the 13 RS on Sept. 29, 2013, due to budgetary constraints.
"We have to find jobs for 196 full- and part-time patriots, and we're doing so by two means; internal and external job fairs," said Lt. Col. David Lineback, 940th Operations Group deputy commander. "The goal is to get every single person being displaced a new job."
The internal job fair was an opportunity to fill as many vacancies as possible within the wing itself. Later this spring, an external job fair is planned to bring in Reserve units from other bases looking to fill vacant positions.
Many of the squadron's RQ-4 pilots, maintainers and sensor operators will need to retrain if they decide to continue serving as Citizen Airmen. During the fair this weekend, members were able to learn about jobs that might be a good fit as their next Reserve career.
"There is amazing support from every single squadron commander in the wing to make sure the men and women of the 13th are taken care of," said Lineback.
Among the 940th Wing units represented at the event were Force Support, Logistics Readiness, and the 50th Intelligence squadrons. The 583rd RED HORSE Squadron, a new Reserve unit expected to stand up later this year at Beale, was also represented at the fair.
"It is evident we are doing everything we can, within our direct control, to take care of our Airmen," said Col. Kevin Cavanagh, 940th Wing commander. "I'm proud of the way all our units have stepped up to help the great group of professionals in the 13 RS during this tough time."
In a show of support, the chaplain's office was also on hand to provide guidance.
"It saddens me to think the 13 RS is going away, but it's good to see the wing stepping forward and taking care of its own," said Capt. Jason Bredeson, 940th Wing head chaplain.
The months leading up to the squadron's deactivation in September will be filled with transitions, some minor and some major, for every member of the 13 RS, as well as for the units who pick them up.
"I have no doubt that each and every person recruited from the 13 RS will become a valuable member of another Reserve unit," said Lineback.