31st Operations Squadron units earn 2 USAFE awards

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katherine Windish
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The 31st Operations Group's Airfield Management and Air Traffic Control Facilities were recently named the 2011 United States Air Forces in Europe Ronald D. McCarthy Airfield Management Facility of the Year and the Ray D. Hardin Air Traffic Control Facility of the Year, respectively.

"Airfield management operations and air traffic control environment at Aviano, working side by side with our host nation counterparts in the Italian Air Force make our facilities unique and highly effective." said Capt. Marquette Moore, Airfield Operations Flight commander. "We provided safe and efficient services in support of a very complex flying mission; the recognition was well deserved for the Airmen of this organization."

The 31st OSS units competed against other USAFE units based on its contributions to the airfield and flying operations community. This is the second consecutive year that the Airfield Operations Flight was singled out at the USAFE level.

The Airfield Management and Air Traffic Control Facilities, working together with Italian Air Force personnel, are mission enablers for two fighter squadrons and over 17,000 flying operations per year. During fiscal year 2010, the units ensured the safe recovery of 42 emergency aircraft, saving 46 lives and $1.4 billion in assets. The facilities also increased Aviano's combat capability by 30 percent with airfield construction projects, including the completion of three contingency parking ramps and an additional 15 F-16 aircraft parking locations.

"This kind of service is produced with a very efficient, motivated team of skilled controllers and leaders," said Master Sgt. William Bach, chief air traffic controller.

The squadron commander responsible for the two facilities concurred.

"We have high morale in our facilities, maintained by highly capable Airmen and Italian Air Force personnel who are all focused on one goal - excellent service to [the 31st Fighter Wing]," said Lt. Col. Kenneth Smith, 31st Operations Support Squadron commander.