YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Since 1992, the 374th Operations Support Squadron has provided flight operations, intelligence, combat survival, weather forecasting and more. With over 26 different job titles, the OSS has an abundance of experts who work together to support Yokota’s UH-1N, C-12J and C-130J aircraft.

You would think with all the knowledge, nothing would be missed, no box would be left unchecked, no one could ask for more. However, there was one thing missing…Identity.

Because the OSS is such a young squadron with members from a wide variety of duties, it proved hard to create an identity to call their own. That is where Master Sgt. Carlos Boglin, 374th OSS first sergeant, stepped in to give Airmen the opportunity to build identity for the OSS.

According to Boglin, what started as an initiative to clean up and paint, turned into a new beginning for 374th OSS heritage.

“This project is representative of the people who work here,” said Boglin. “It is a perpetual effort that gives individuals the opportunity to express their reflection on their unit.”

Updated photos where placed on the walls, new guidons with awards where proudly displayed, and more Airmen and families were getting involved.

To paint murals of aircraft and squadron patches; the OSS found talent within its own ranks. 1st Lieutenant Jayna Dodd, 374th OSS chief of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, took the lead for painting a C-130J Super Hercules mural that stretches across the entire heritage room.

“Everyone teamed up and made sure the effort would represent the whole unit,” said Dodd. “We were able to identify skills with our squadron to make an impact on the OSS family for years to come.”

Making it a family effort, Tech Sgt. Adam Bethea, 374th OSS aircrew flight equipment craftsman, and his wife Elizabeth worked together painting massive unit emblems throughout the workplace.

“For us, it is more than just artwork,” said Bethea. “It is about bringing an atmosphere and theme that represents the hard work we all do, past and present.”

Boglin is scheduled to hand over his responsibilities as the first sergeant starting in March. According to his replacement, Master Sgt. Arthur Scruggs, he has already noticed something remarkable about the Airmen.

“I’ve been here for about a week and I can feel the excitement and unique culture in the OSS,” said Scruggs. “This is a squadron that has pride and I am excited to be a part of the family.”

Now that the 374th OSS has found the formula to give them identity, they hope the abundance of pride will allow them to further excel as a team.