PACAF receives Air Force maintenance award

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WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  The vice chief of staff of the Air Force presented Pacific Air Forces the Gen. Wilbur L. Creech Maintenance Excellence award Jan 16 at the Pentagon.

Gen. Duncan J. McNabb presented the award to Chief Master Sgt. Robert L. Norcross II and Master Sgt. Jeffrey Soots for the more than 10,000 maintainers across the command.

"It's an honor and a privilege to be recognized on behalf of all the maintainers in PACAF," said the chief. "This award represents all the initiatives and efforts of the maintenance career fields and recognizes their dedication and hard work."

The Creech Award honors the major command demonstrating the most improved performance in the categories of aircraft maintenance and logistics readiness for the fiscal year.

From October 2006 to September 2007, PACAF distinguished itself by surpassing all other Air Force major commands in performance improvements in aircraft maintenance and logistics readiness. While flying 108,609 hours to numerous deployed locations throughout the world, PACAF increased maintenance and supply mission capability rates, aircraft fix rates, and customer wait times, and made other significant improvements.

"This award embodies what General Creech believed in and the importance of the maintenance career fields," said PACAF Commander Gen. Howie Chandler. "This is an honor for the logisticians and maintainers in PACAF."

The Creech Award is named for Gen. Wilbur L. "Bill" Creech. General Creech, received his commission and wings in 1949. He flew 103 combat missions during the Korean War, 177 combat missions during Vietnam and 125 flights with the U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Team, the Thunderbirds. During his career, General Creech flew 40 different military fighter, cargo and reconnaissance aircraft. He died in 2003.

"On behalf of my husband, I want to congratulate you," said General Creech's wife Carol. "I know he'd be so proud of your achievements. He strongly believed in maintainers and teamwork. Thank you for your professionalism and your service." 

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