Accident Investigation Awards

Recorder, F-16 Accident Investigation Board

Technical Sergeant Joshua E. Esposo, 502d Force Support Group, distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as the Recorder for the F-16 Accident Investigation Board Mishap at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, from 12 July 2024 through 1 August 2024. During this period, TSgt Esposo's exceptional organizational skills and initiative were evident as he meticulously reviewed and inventoried over 10,000 pages of evidence, ensuring the integrity of the chain of custody. His dedication to protecting sensitive information resulted in the implementation of 14,000 redactions, safeguarding the identities of individuals involved in the investigation. TSgt Esposo coordinated, recorded, and transcribed 10 critical interviews, demonstrating his commitment to accuracy and thoroughness. His innovative approach allowed the Accident Investigation Board to complete its investigation in a remarkable 15 days, significantly ahead of the estimated 45 days. This efficiency not only saved the Air Force valuable time and manpower but also resulted in cost savings of $27,000 in travel expenses. His contributions were instrumental in the successful investigation of the $21 million mishap, culminating in the production of a publicly releasable report that identified hazards and implemented measures to mitigate them. The distinctive accomplishments of Technical Sergeant Esposo reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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