'Squarepatchers' join Fairchild Air Force Base

Fairchild Air Force Base added several new aircraft and personnel under its umbrella of refueling wings in the form of the 384th Air Refueling Squadron.

The squadron, also known as the "Squarepatchers," was officially welcomed to Fairchild during a March 23 relocation and assumption of command ceremony. Lt. Col. Sean R. McClune, the director of operations for the 92nd Operations Support Squadron, officially took command of the 384th during the ceremony.

Commissioned in 2001, McClune has served in a number of roles throughout his Air Force career. He came to Fairchild in October 2015 as the assistant director of operations 92nd Air Refueling Wing Squadron before he was promoted to director of operations last August.

The relocation of the 384th adds nine more KC-135 Stratotankers - some of which are already at the base - bringing Fairchild's total aircraft to 44. The squadron will be comprised of members of Fairchild's 92nd and 93rd air refueling squadrons, as well as 50 new personnel. McClune said the personnel coming to Fairchild would be comprised of new and experienced airmen.

"This will increase the capabilities and capacity of Fairchild's mission," McClune said.

The nickname "Squarepatchers" comes from the 384th's emblem, which is a blue and yellow trapezoid with a narrow red border. Within the trapezoid is an eagle holding onto a red refueling boom while soaring above an elongated globe. This symbolizes the squadron's mission.

The 384th has a long history, dating back to its first mission during World War II when it was activated as the 584th Bombardment Squadron and originally flew B-26 Marauders during the Normandy landings and Battle of the Bulge. On March 23, 1944, the squadron - as the 584th - had its first combat mission. In April 1955, the 384th was officially activated.

The squadron called McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kan., from 1973-2016. Fairchild became the new home for the Squarepatchers after McConnell was designated as a site for the KC-46A Pegasus tankers.

During the ceremony, Col. Todd Cargle, commander of the 92nd Operations Group, said the 384th was "a superb unit with a storied past that will fit in well with Fairchild" and McClune, as its commander, was capable of writing "the first Fairchild chapter of the 384th."

"He knows the lay of the land and is ready to join (Fairchild's) leadership team," Cargle added.

During his first remarks as the 384th commanding officer, McClune recalled the squadron's motto "Keep the show on the road."

"That's what we're here to do today," McClune said. "The 384th's legacy is one that you and I should be proud to be a part of."

Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].