Airman awarded National Defense Space Award

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Alicia Wallace
  • 45th Space Wing Public Affairs
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AFNS) --  The first Forrest S. McCartney National Defense Space Award was presented to Maj. Kenneth Holmes, the Air Force Special Operations Command chief of space training, at the National Space Club luncheon here Jan. 8.

The award recognizes significant contributions of Department of Defense personnel on duty in Florida and is newly named for a retired Air Force lieutenant general and former director of NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

Holmes was selected for the award based on his ability to provide and integrate space capabilities to support in-garrison and deployed special operations forces worldwide. His contribution during his more than 140-day deployment to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, as the special tactics officer chief and space officer in charge for a joint task force, earned him praise as a leader and a technical expert.

Under his leadership, the JTF supported more than 19,400 task force personnel during 384 direct action missions. He was able to significantly disrupt thousands of hours of enemy lines of communication, which resulted in 1,471 enemies captured or killed, including 166 high-value individuals. Holmes' technical expertise made possible near real-time updates for task forces that enhanced planning and execution of missions and resulted in the capture of targets and significantly restricting enemy movement.

"It is humbling to receive this award," Holmes said. "I'm honored to be able to support those on the ground who risk their lives every day."