Aviano unit earns top maintenance award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katherine Windish
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy (AFNS) --  Members of the 31st Maintenance Group recently earned the 2010 Air Force Clements McMullen Memorial Daedalian Weapon System Maintenance Trophy, excelling in all graded areas.

"This was not just a group win, but a win for the entire wing," said Col. Fredrick Plaumann, the 31st MXG commander. "Our group could not have accomplished what we did without the excellent support provided by the rest of the 31st Fighter Wing."

The 31st MXG competed against other Air Force units based on it's accomplishments in effective use of maintenance resources, innovative management, personnel quality of life and mission accomplishments.

"Last year was a very challenging year for the 31st MXG," Colonel Plaumann said. "We were faced with seven large deployments and eight major inspections, all of which were dominated by the Airmen of the 31st MXG. The Airmen of this group are definitely deserving of this great honor."

The deployments the 31st MXG were tasked with consisted of 16 aircraft or more with an average of 215 maintenance Airmen deploying each time.

In fiscal 2010, 31st MXG Airmen generated 8,295 total sorties and 18,674.2 total hours, from Aviano AB and seven deployed locations around the world.

Back on the home front, a surge operation made Aviano AB history with a record-breaking 398 sorties in four days. During the operation, the group performed 8,000 maintenance actions, serviced 272 aircraft with 218,000 gallons of fuel and ensured safety and reliability measures -- earning the unit a 93.8 percent quality assurance pass rate.

"This award is a great achievement for our unit," said Lt. Col. Peter Blake, the 31st MXG deputy commander. "Teamwork and hard work on the flightline and in the shops got the job done. These Airmen owned and took pride in their work and it shows."

The group also achieved the highest possible Inspector General rating during a major inspection, rating "excellent" in three out of five major areas and receiving other commendations, such as "noteworthy" and "mission capable" in other areas.

"With a schedule like the 31st MXG Airmen had, a lesser team could have easily given up," Colonel Plaumann said. "However, our Airmen attacked each challenge with professionalism and determination. They understand the importance of what they do and I am sure they are proud that their efforts have been recognized."