Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE) Awards

Core Aerospace Ground Equipment Journeyman

Senior Airman Bobby M. McDonald distinguished himself by outstanding achievement while serving as a Core Aerospace Ground Equipment Journeyman, 332d Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron, 332d Air Expeditionary Wing, Undisclosed Location. During this period, in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, Airman McDonald executed the Aerospace Ground Equipment movement plan by managing the Joint Inspections and customs inspections for 307 increments. His foresight, experience, and resolve were key to the logical and prioritized movement of 683 tons of equipment valued at more than 30 million dollars, completing the Air Tasking Order takeover in under 36 hours. Moreover, he prepared 11 Aerospace Ground Equipment segments, capable of supporting an Air Task Force, for shipment in support of two Agile Combat Environment exercises, slashing the estimated movement time by 24 hours and validating the Air Force's Agile Combat Environment Vision. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Airman McDonald reflect credit upon himself, the 332d Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron and the United States Air Force.

Aerospace Ground Equipment Journeyman

Senior Airman Elizabeth P. Ohliger distinguished herself by meritorious service while serving as Aerospace Ground Equipment Journeyman, 8th Maintenance Squadron, 8th Maintenance Group, Kunsan Air Force Base, Republic of Korea. In this important assignment, Airman Ohlinger performed AGE Journeyman responsibilities for OPU, significantly contributing to more than five hundred maintenance actions. In addition, she improved cooperation between Kunsan and Osan AGE flights and provided valuable assistance to Osan AGE personnel by repairing a frame on a -86 generator set and three Self Generating Nitrogen Servicing Carts. Additionally, she augmented E/E for OPU by efficiently delivering and returning LOX carts from CRYO daily. Her close collaboration with Osan personnel resulted in seamless LOX servicing and purging, ensuring timely support for both Osan and Kunsan operations. Further, she trained 35th and 80th FGS APG personnel on the correct operation of the Self Generating Nitrogen Servicing Cart following damage by inexperienced aircraft personnel. Finally, during ADVON movement for OPU, she efficiently delivered OPU equipment to allied shops, including trailers for Egress, all LOX and GOX carts for E/E, and trailer-mounted pods for weapons and fuels. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Ohliger reflect credit upon herself, the 8th Maintenance Squadron and the United States Air Force.

Aerospace Ground Equipment Journeyman,

Senior Airman Christopher P. Wharton distinguished himself by meritorious service as Aerospace Ground Equipment Journeyman, 911th Air Refueling Squadron, 916th Operations Group, 916th Air Refueling Wing, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina from XXXXXXXXXX to XXXXXXXXXXX. During this period, Senior Airman Wharton skillfully managed the flight's special tools where he ensured over forty recurring items were calibrated on-time ensuring a phenomenal one hundred percent servicability rate. Additionally, Airman Wharton demonstrated superior technical ability when he refurbished five 35-ton tripod jack hydraulic pump assemblies, completing the task in fifty percent of the normal time and saving over five thousand dollars in replacement costs. Finally, he identified a failing refrigerant reclaimer and expertly repaired the compressor assembly, returning the unit to full mission capable and saving the Air Force over twenty-six thousand dollars in acquisition costs. The distinctive accomplishments of Senior Airman Wharton reflect great credit upon himself, the 911th Air Refueling Squadron, and the United States Air Force.

Aerospace Ground Equipment Journeyman

Technical Sergeant Henry Tellez distinguished himself by outstanding achievement while serving as Aerospace Ground Equipment Journeyman, 349th Maintenance Squadron, 349th Air Mobility Wing, Travis Air Force Base, California. During this period, Sergeant Tellez performed over 245 repair and 7-level inspections, thereby enabling the Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE) flight to sustain an impressive 92 percent equipment in-commission rate. Moreover, Sergeant Tellez supervised an overhaul of a self-generating nitrogen cart's hydraulic pump, saving the Air Force over $5,000 in replacement costs. Futhermore, he expertly trained new apprentices on the full spectrum of AGE maintenance, bolstering the flight's aircraft maintenance support capability. Additionally, Sergeant Tellez rapidly repaired three B-5 stands, replacing leg assemblies in only four hours, improving the flight's in-commission rate by 5%. Finally, Sergeant Tellez's ceaseless efforts contributed to the 349th Air Mobility Wing's success in capturing the prestigious Daedalian Trophy in 2008. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Tellez reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Aerospace Ground Equipment Journeyman

Technical Sergeant Louis May distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as Aerospace Ground Equipment Journeyman, 349th Maintenance Squadron, 349th Air Mobility Wing, Travis Air Force Base, California. During this period, Sergeant May performed over 200 maintenance actions and completed over 150 scheduled inspections, thereby enabling the aerospace ground equipment (AGE) flight to sustain an impressive 94 percent equipment in-commission rate. Moreover, Sergeant May played a key role in the preparation of over 59 pieces of equipment tasked during the recent Operation Readiness Inspection. His contributions led to the 349th receiving an "Excellent" rating. Futhermore, Sergeant May expertly trained six Airmen on pre-operation of a -86 generator, enhancing equipment awareness and safety. Additionally, he facilitated the preparation of eight units for a short notice deployment without defects or frustrated cargo. Finally, Sergeant May's ceaseless efforts contributed to the 349th Air Mobility Wing's success in capturing the prestigious Daedalian Trophy in 2008. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant May reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.