"Best of the Best" bomber and missile wings earn top honors in competition

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BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) --  Air Force Global Strike Command officials announced the overall winners of the first Global Strike Challenge, Nov. 17.

With Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton and commanders of two major commands looking on, the officials capped the months-long bomber, missile and security forces competition with trophy presentations honoring the winners.

The host, Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz, the commander of Global Strike Command, was joined by Gen. William M. Fraser III, the commander of Air Combat Command; Maj. Gen. Floyd Carpenter, commander of 8th Air Force; Maj. Gen. C. Donald Alston, commander of 20th AF; command chiefs, industry leaders, community leaders and past winners for the culminating event at historic Hoban Hall here.

Bomber, missile and security forces were recognized for superior technical and weapons system expertise in the following award categories:

Fairchild Trophy for Best Bomb Wing: 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman AFB, Mo.

Blanchard Trophy for Best ICBM Wing: 90th Missile Wing, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.

Ellis Giant Sword Trophy for Best Bomber Maintenance: 7th BW, Dyess AFB, Texas

Charlie Fire Team Trophy for Best Security Forces: 509th BW

Best ICBM Operations Trophy: 90th MW

Blackburn Trophy for Best ICBM Maintenance: 90th MW

Best Bomber Nuclear Load Team Trophy: 5th BW, Minot AFB, N.D.

Best Bomber Munitions Maintenance Trophy: 7th BW

Best Bomber Crew Chief Trophy: 509th BW

Best Bomber Conventional Load Team Trophy: 509th BW

Best ICBM Satellite Communications Trophy: 91st MW, Minot AFB

Best ICBM Electro-Mechanical Team Trophy: 90th MW

Best ICBM Missile Handling Team Trophy: 341st MW, Malmstrom AFB, Mont.

Best ICBM Field Maintenance Squadron Trophy: 341st MW

Best Security Forces Tactics Trophy: 5th BW

Best Security Forces Firing Trophy: 509th BW

Best Security Forces Endurance Trophy: 341st MW

Participants included Air Force Global Strike Command's six wings plus units from Air Combat Command, Air Force Reserve Command and the Air National Guard.