Nuclear enterprise individual recognized during Air and Space Conference

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Caryn Gardenhire
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  The Airman with the most significant achievement within the Air Force nuclear enterprise was honored with the newly established Gen. Larry D. Welch award during the 2010 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. on Sept 13th.

Senior Master Sgt. John M. Oblinger, the superintendent of the force protection and operations division for installations and mission support was the first recipient of the General Welch award. Sergeant Oblinger constructed the first Air Force Nuclear Security Roadmap and led the rewrite of the Air Force Nuclear Security Manual in a record 140 days, a process that could take more than 18 months to complete.

According to Air Force Instruction 36-2838, this annual award recognizes the accomplishments of the individual who has significantly impacted the overall operations, safety, security, reliability or effectiveness of the Air Force nuclear enterprise.

"It shines a spotlight on the nuclear mission, and the Airmen who produce deterrent capability, (which is) often taken for granted and not talked about," said Maj. Gen. William A. Chambers, the assistant chief of staff for strategic deterrence and nuclear integration. "An award like this highlights the above and beyond efforts of our Airmen and we're very grateful to start it this year."

This award was jointly sponsored by the Air Force Association and the Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration office.

"It's a great effort by AFA to recognize excellence in the nuclear mission, and in particular to name it after General Welch, who, as a former chief of staff and commander-in-chief of Strategic Air Command, is clearly one of the founding leaders of the Air Force nuclear mission," General Chambers said.

"Recognizing a senior NCO with the inaugural award proves how much we rely on our (senior) NCOs day to day, throughout our Air Force," General Chambers said. "This is a great initiative, and we're grateful to partner with Air Force Association on this award."

"The exceptional accomplishments of Senior Master Sgt. Oblinger make him a most deserving recipient, and are indicative of the dedicated professionals in the Air Force nuclear business," said Joseph Sutter, the Air Force Association chairman of the board. "AFA applauds the Air Force for this new and appropriate award named in honor of General Welch, one of the driving forces in the reinvigoration of the USAF nuclear enterprise."