6/24/2008 - OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. (AFPN) -- Three U.S. Strategic Command units have been selected recently for the Omaha Trophy, which is presented annually to units demonstrating the highest standards of performance.
Selection for the award is based on formal evaluations, meritorious achievement, safety, and other factors such as community involvement and humanitarian actions.
The 2007 winners are:
-- The Deterrence Operation Trophy to the 341st Space Wing at Malmstrom Air
Force Base, Mont.
-- The Space Operations Trophy to the Joint Space Operations Center at
Vandenberg AFB, Calif.
-- The Cyberspace Trophy to the Joint Functional Component Command-Network
Warfare at Fort Meade, Md.
"The accomplishments of the these units are noteworthy because of their impressive performance, and all the more noteworthy because of the keen competition among the nominees. Their contributions to the security and defense of our great nation cannot be overstated," said Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, the commander of U.S. Strategic Command. "As leaders in strategic deterrence and the preeminent global warfighters in space and cyberspace, it is important we recognize the warfighters on the frontline providing global security for America."
The Omaha Trophy was presented to the Strategic Air Command in 1971 on behalf of the citizens of Omaha, Neb., by the SAC Consultation Committee, with the request that it be awarded annually to the outstanding SAC wing. From 1992 to 1997, two categories were created, one for aircraft and one for a ballistic missile unit. In 1998, the Omaha Trophy was expanded to three categories: Intercontinental ballistic missile trophy, submarine ballistic missile command trophy, and strategic aircraft operations trophy. A fourth category, the strategic space and information operations trophy, was added in 2003.
The award categories this year were updated to reflect U.S. Strategic Command's current missions and organizational structure. The three categories reflect the command's primary lines of operations and continued emphasis on global deterrence and its evolving role in global Department of Defense operations.
