Team Dyess takes home five awards from Global Strike Challenge 2010

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Robert Wollenberg
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  7th Bomb Wing walked away with five of 14 trophies they competed for in the first-ever Global Strike Challenge that began in April of this year. 7th Operations Support Squadron took three of three Trophies in their category.

The seven-month competition showcased the capabilities and expertise of missile, bomber and security forces Airmen, and culminated in a two-day point-scoring event at Global Strike Command headquarters at Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

"The wait from the time of competition until the awards ceremony was a long time to be kept in suspense, but in the end it was not bad at all," said Senior Airman Brian Foster, 7th Munitions Squadron. "Hearing our team called was the most proud moment I have had in quite a while. Our team's hard work paid off!"

Global Strike Challenge involved as many as 400 Airmen from more than 12 wings from Global Strike Command, Air Combat Command, Air Force Reserves and Air National Guard. More than 20 trophies were competed for in intercontinental ballistic missile, conventional weapon system, operations and security forces related categories.

"We had trained hard and performed flawlessly," said Master Sgt. Larry Willis, 7 MUNS. "We felt like winners since the day of our competition in May. It was agonizing to have to wait so long to hear the results, but we understood it would take time for all teams to schedule and complete their portion."

Dyess earned the LeMay Trophy, Ellis Giant Sword Trophy, Mitchell Trophy, Eaker Trophy and Best Munitions Maintenance Team Trophy.

"I couldn't be more proud of the 7th Bomb Wing for our efforts that led to this incredible victory at the Global Strike Challenge," said Col. David Been, 7 BW commander. "Our professional Airmen have taken their combat-proven hard work and dedication from the battlespace of Iraq and Afghanistan, and put it to the test with Global Strike Challenge, walking away with five prestigious trophies. Our Wing does it by the book: from building and loading bombs, to flying and fixing jets, to defending and supporting our Airmen. We've seen for years how effective we are in war, now we've shown how all that 'by the book' expertise helps us succeed in competitions. Keep up the great work and thank you for all you do!"

The LeMay Trophy was awarded to 7 OSS for best bomber operations. First awarded in 1980, the trophy was named after the former Commander in Chief Strategic Air Command Gen. Curtis E. LeMay.

The Ellis Giant Sword Trophy was awarded to 7 BW for overall best bomber maintenance. Gen. Richard H. Ellis, former CINCSAC, donated his personal Order of the Sword presentation sword to honor maintenance personnel during the Giant Sword bomb loading and security competition in the early 1980s.

The Mitchell Trophy was awarded to 7 OSS for best bomb. First awarded in 1988, the Mitchell Trophy was named after Gen. Billy Mitchell, one of America's aviation pioneers. 7 OSS received this award for dropping their bomb only nine feet away from its intended target. The next closest bomb was 12 feet away.

First awarded in 1988, the Eaker Trophy was awarded to 7 OSS for the best B-1B squadron. This trophy is named after the wartime 8th Air Force commander Gen. Ira Eaker.

The Best Bomber Munitions Maintenance Team Trophy was awarded to 7 BW. This trophy has yet to be named.

The history and tradition of Global Strike Challenge started more than 40 years ago when it was called "Curtain Raiser" - the first Space and Missile Competition. In 1967 it was called the Strategic Air Command Missile Combat Competition, with only ICBM wings competing.

Several other changes have taken place throughout the years. Different commands have hosted the event including ACC in 1993.

This year, under GSC's guidance, Global Strike Challenge consolidated missile and bomb competition.

"Global Strike Challenge will help us build pride and a culture of excellence," said Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz, GSC commander. It is "the beginning of a new tradition - the best of the past launches us into the future. This competition will encourage a culture of excellence and pride, develop elite highly disciplined Airmen, build esprit de corps and recognize the best in the command."

The missile combat competition goals include recognizing superior people; enhancing esprit de corps while strengthening teamwork; improving readiness and combat capabilities through preparation, innovation, competition and teamwork; creating competition-tough crews; and sending the message that the command is prepared.