48th CS wins best small CS in USAF

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jessi Monte
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

The Liberty Wing relies on global connectivity, information systems and communications support throughout the base in order to keep the mission on track. These items are critical to the daily tasks of over 7,000 Airmen and the ability of the 48th Fighter Wing to continue delivering superior airpower capabilities.

This crucial web of connectivity is all made possible by the 48th Communications Squadron, who have proven their excellence by bringing home the Lt. Gen. Harold W. Grant Award for best small communications squadron in the U.S. Air Force for the Oct. 1, 2019 to Sept. 30, 2020 time period.

The 48th CS is responsible for the maintenance and care of millions of dollars worth of communications assets providing superior computer, data, and voice capabilities to Royal Air Force Lakenheath and Royal Air Force Feltwell.

It took the combined teamwork and determination of approximately 135 Airmen and civilian personnel, and many hours of hard work from several different sections within the squadron to qualify for, and cinch the award.

The squadron embraces and employs the multi-capable Airmen concept, combining responsibilities and having sections work closely with one another so each individual can gain an understanding of the operations of the whole unit.

Major Sean Williams, 48th CS commander, said arming the Airmen with knowledge beyond the scope of their normal duties and creating that understanding across platforms is a crucial to

communication and enabling problem solving ideas to flow more effectively throughout the unit.

“I'm really proud of the Airmen stepping up, getting out of their comfort zones and figuring out innovative ways to tackle the mission,” said Williams.

Staff Sgt. Edward Champa, 48th CS cyber secure supervisor, said the success of the squadron also trickles down from the top, noting that leadership encourages Airmen to think outside the box and seek innovative solutions to daily problems.

“They realize our career field is always evolving and changing,” said Champa. “They encourage us to question our processes, evaluate the way we're doing things and let us try to troubleshoot more effective ways of getting the job done.”

Chief Master Sgt. Justin Papalia, 48th CS chief enlisted manager said the team continued to succeed even amidst the challenges spawned from the lockdown and the tricky logistics of teleworking.

“It wasn’t the whole unit leaning on one or two superstar achievements, every single section in this squadron contributed to winning this award,” said Papalia. “They just kept managing the ticket queue and crushing their workloads.”