18 AF/CC lauds 317th AG's accomplishments

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Carolyn Viss
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 18th Air Force commander visited Dyess April 26 to see first-hand the progress that's being made in war fighting capabilities and quality of life for Airmen. 

While here, Maj. Gen. James A. Hawkins presented the 317th Airlift Group with numerous awards and decorations. Up first was a surprise presentation to Col. James Moulton, 317th AG deputy commander, who was awarded the Bronze Star during a mid-afternoon commander's call. 

He also presented the 317th AG with its third consecutive 2006 System of Cooperation Among the Air Forces of the Americas (SICOFFA) Flight Safety Achievement Award and the 2006 Air Force Flight Safety Plaque, which is awarded for meritorious achievements in flight safety. The 317th Operations Support Squadron intelligence flight also earned an Air Mobility Command Outstanding Intelligence Unit of the Year Award. Tech. Sgt. Ashley Aikin, 317th Aircraft Maintenance squadron, garnered recognition for winning the AMC Resource Advisor of the Year Award (installation level), and the general also recognized Senior Airman Michael Trotter, 317th Maintenance Operations Squadron, for winning an AMC Outstanding Maintenance Scheduler Airman of the Year award. 

"It's not normal for one unit to get eight outstanding unit awards in a row," General Hawkins said. "We're going on six years of fighting the Global War on Terror, and I'm proud to see this unit recognized for its accomplishments. I'm speaking on behalf of Gen. Duncan McNabb (AMC commander) and Lt. Gen. Chris Kelly (AMC vice commander) as well. We appreciate you and the work you do every single day in the (area of responsibility) and at home." 

Colonel Kevin Jackson, 317th AG commander, reiterated the general's thanks to the group. 

"I love you guys," he said. "Everything you do on a daily basis to fly and fix planes, you've done as a team and I believe you can earn your ninth (outstanding unit award). This is the third consecutive year that this exceptional organization has earned both of these highly-coveted safety awards. That's an incredible accomplishment by any measure. In spite of (many) hurdles and challenges, the 317th continues to produce results - safe and effective results. That says a whole lot about the people who make up this group. I salute your efforts, and I deeply appreciate your overwhelming dedication and service." 

The general talked about the "long haul" of this war, and said he's not sure exactly how long it will last but encouraged the C-130 folks who deploy continuously to keep up their spirits. He compared the GWOT to the Cold War and World War II when the people who were drafted were deployed for the duration of the war. 

"We have about 42 C-130s from the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserves, and active-duty Air Force in the AOR right now, playing a key role in intra-theater airlift," General Hawkins said. "You are all doing an outstanding job delivering supplies and troops to Soldiers and Marines on the ground, and any time you can transport in the air instead of on a convoy you're protecting lives and keeping people out of danger." 

He said the 317th AG also plays a key role in the Joint Precision Air Delivery system, the aerial version of Joint Direct Attack Munitions. 

"We're putting GPS systems on parachutes to make sure we deliver air drop supplies precisely, not leaving room for them to get to the Taliban's hands," he said. 

Along with the progress the 317th is making with JPAD operations, the isochronal method of fixing aircraft is what General Hawkins called a "rapid improvement" upon the previous method. 

"C-130 maintenance personnel used ISO to save time and effort, allowing seven out of 23 maintainers to be free to do other tasks," he said. "The composite tool kits you're using also saved so many steps and made it so much more expeditious for crew chiefs to get tools and inventory them." 

He lauded the productivity overall and said he's impressed to see three-level maintainers motivated and holding up well in spite of a strenuous operations tempo. 

"I also want to thank the 7th Bomb Wing for its support of the 317th Airlift Group," General Hawkins said. "They are a great team to partner with and have done everything they can to make the 317th successful. It's a win/win situation." 

He said the next generation of leaders is already stepping up to the plate to accomplish the mission in spite of a changing force, and he has no doubt that the Air Force will survive for the long haul. 

"When I think about turning the Air Force over to each of you, I can sleep well at night, knowing you are defending our country," he said.