SECAF honors international affairs office with award

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  The secretary of the Air Force presented members of the deputy undersecretary of the Air Force for international affairs office with the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award November 15.

"Air Force International Affairs has been recognized over the years as one of the premiere organizations within the government," said the SECAF, Michael W. Wynne. "I want to congratulate all of you, because it's the team that earned this award."

The international affairs office earned the honor through several initiatives that created stronger partnerships with countries around the world, including:

-- Worked with nations like Singapore and Korea to broker deals for F-15 variants
-- Helped facilitate the first-ever deployment for the Japanese Air Self Defense Force
-- Assisted in establishing the core of the new Iraqi air force
-- Coordinated training for Italian air force unmanned aerial vehicle operators
-- Met with Royal Jordanian Air Force officials to upgrade their F-16s

According to the award citation, SAF/IA facilitated the sale of more than $25 billion in aircraft, weapons, sensors, equipment and services to allies and international partners.

In addition, the organization created the international affairs specialist program, designed to train Airmen as politico-military experts.

"It's a particular honor to receive this award," said Bruce Lemkin, deputy undersecretary of the Air Force for international affairs.

"You have transformed the way we execute international affairs in the Air Force," Mr. Lemkin told members of his office. "The proof is in the effectiveness in relationships around the world that we deal with and we foster every day. I could not be prouder of all of you." 

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