Official Site of the U.S. Air Force   Right Corner Banner
Join the Air Force

News > Okinawan native earns AF-level award
 
Photos
Previous ImageNext Image
Okinawan native earns AF level award
Hiroyusu Kuda, Detachment 3 Pacific Air Forces Air Postal Squadron postal specialist, stamps a piece of mail on Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 11, 2013. PACAF's Detachment 3, APS, serves as the Department of Defense's sole agency for air transport of military mail to and from Okinawa, and manages mail-related customs and inspections. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Justin Veazie)
Download HiRes
Okinawan native earns AF-level award

Posted 3/12/2013   Updated 3/11/2013 Email story   Print story

    


by Airman 1st Class Justin Veazie
18th Wing Public Affairs


3/12/2013 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) -- An Okinawan native was recently recognized with the Air Force Information Dominance Outstanding Civilian Assistant award for his meritorious service October 2011-September 2012.

The Air Force Information Dominance Outstanding Civilian Assistant award is an Air Force-level award that recognizes Air Force officers, enlisted members, federal civilian employees, teams, and units for superior performance while providing information dominance and cyberspace operations to the Air Force and Department of Defense missions and operations.

"This is a miracle for me," said Hiroyusu Kuda, a postal specialist with the Detachment 3, Pacific Air Forces Air Postal Squadron here. "I was just really surprised to have won my second Air Force award."

Kuda surpassed DOD standards by leading his team to their second consecutive "Outstanding" rating in every area of the 2012 PACAF postal inspection.

By playing a key role in the 18th Wing's mission, Kuda was also able to exceed PACAF's 20-percent force protection standard.

These standards were exceeded with the help of his team and an ion scanner.

An ion scanner is capable of detecting and identifying explosives and narcotics during a single analysis with the help of two ion-mobility spectrum detectors, which gives them the ability to detect a broader range of substances.

"After we get the mail, we immediately run every piece of mail through the ion scanner," Kuda said. "Since (9/11) and the anthrax problem in the states, we've ion scanned every piece for the safety of our customers."

Kuda's involvement in the postal system also led to the unit winning the 4th quarter awards for 2011 and PACAF's A6 Team's 2nd quarter awards for 2012.

"With the phenomenal work Mr. Kuda's accomplished supporting Team Kadena with more than 5 million pounds of mail annually, this award accomplishment should be highlighted," said Nick Tolosa, Detachment 3, PACAF APS detachment chief.



tabComments
No comments yet.  
Add a comment

 Inside AF.mil

ima cornerSearch

tabSubscribe AF.MIL
tabMore HeadlinesRSS feed 
SecAF discusses Airmen morale

Through Airmen's Eyes: Marathon man trains to buckle up

Deployed Airmen save lives miles from front lines

Air Force, Italian medics simulate joint patient care

Nobel Laureate gives important decision-making tips

Doolittle Raiders greet, inspire Hurlburt Field Airmen during final reunion  2

Sequestration will affect force readiness  3

Airmen, EPA combine conservation efforts for Earth Day

Sequestration impact on combat aviation: decreased readiness  1

USAFE commander confirmed for NATO/EUCOM command

Airman's sharp eye saves AF $348K  16

Earth Day: Air Force officials emphasize water conservation

General, wife die in private plane crash  6

Warrior Games camp prepares Air Force team

tabCommentaryRSS feed 
The difficult discussion

A tribute to the Doolittle Raiders  4


Site Map      Contact Us     Questions     USA.gov     Security & Policy     No Fear Act     E-publishing