Special Operations Command earns multiple AFA awards

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Buffy Galbraith
  • Air Force Special Operations Command public affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFPN) --  Air Force Special Operations Command officials here took home four awards during the Air Force Association's annual Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition held from Sept. 15 to 17 in Washington, D.C.

Each year, AFA officials honor the outstanding achievements of men and women throughout the Air Force, government, academia and the aerospace industry. 

Thomas P. Gerrity Award

Maj. Benjamin Spencer, the 1st Special Operations Equipment Maintenance Squadron commander at Hurlburt Field, Fla., won the Thomas P. Gerrity Award.  The Gerrity Award recognizes the individual who made the most outstanding contribution in the field of systems and logistics.

Major Spencer led the move to contract isochronal and phase inspections that returned 50 Airmen to their mission essential flightline duties. This boosted aircraft availability by reducing inspection and phase times nearly 40 percent.

His leadership while commanding AFSOC's second-largest squadron of nearly 500 Airmen and more than 130 contractors was vital to the 1st Special Operations Group's earning the 2007 Air Force Daedalian Trophy.

While deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Major Spencer was the special operations maintenance squadron commander and led the generation of 490 combat sorties with a 99 percent mission effectiveness rate amid daily mortar attacks.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Thomas N. Barnes Air Force Crew Chief of the Year Award

Staff Sgt. Paul Hiller from the 1st Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, won the Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Thomas N. Barnes Air Force Crew Chief of the Year Award. An AC-130H crew chief, Sergeant Hiller helped generate 2,085 combat flying hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

During his opening remarks, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton A. Schwartz highlighted Sergeant Hiller's service, saying he was a representative of America's Airmen who serve our nation in the finest tradition of integrity, service and excellence.

"He is a proud part of the backbone of our Air Force -- the enlisted corps -- who toil and sweat on the flightline, in back shops, and in support operations throughout the Air Force," General Schwartz said. "These Airmen are responsible for generating global vigilance, reach and power, and we could not be more proud of all they do."

Citation of Honor Award

Members of the 3rd Special Operations Squadron won the Citation of Honor Award for its contribution to the development of aerospace power for the betterment of mankind. The 3rd SOS, now under the 27th SOW at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., was at Nellis AFB, Nev., during the award time period. 

The Airmen of the 3rd SOS flew 1,578 sorties while amassing more than 30,000 flying hours using the MQ-1 Predator. Manned at less than 50 percent of the authorized level, squadron members flew more hours and combat support sorties than any other squadron throughout the Air Force.

They saved countless U.S. and coalition troops' lives while supporting operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom by providing close-air support on nearly 80 separate occasions.

The only Air Force flying squadron with an organic weather section, the 3rd SOS staff produced 4,380 specialized forecasts that resulted in zero weather-related mishaps.

Brig. Gen. Ross G. Hoyt Award

The crew of Woody 26 was named the best air refueling crew in the Air Force by earning the Brig. Gen. Ross G. Hoyt Award. Crewmembers are with the 67th SOS, 352nd Special Operations Group at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England. 

The 67th SOS employs the MC-130P Combat Shadow and is the only squadron in the U.S. European Command capable of conducting helicopter air refueling.

On July 7, 2007, the aircrew launched to support a high-priority, direct-action mission as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. They successfully supported a 10-ship helicopter package by passing 13,000 pounds of fuel, directly contributing to the capture of five high-value targets that later provided information critical to fighting the war on terrorism.

Most noteworthy was the crew's ability to consistently adapt to changing mission requirements and still produce outstanding results, according to the award-winning package. Whether it was finding time to make two unplanned infiltrations of mission essential personnel, passing critical information between participating assets or selflessly choosing to delay its own return to base to ensure mission success and the safe recovery of all involved personnel and assets, the crew of Woody 26 never faltered.

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