Air Battle Manager Awards

Air Battle Manager

First Lieutenant Sakura K. De Pina distinguished herself by outstanding achievement as Air Battle Manager, 169th Air Defense Squadron, Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii, from 18 April 2024 to 2 July 2026. During this period, Lieutenant De Pina led the unit's VALIANT SHIELD 26 ADVON team, securing facility and system access for 10 personnel and coordinating a command and control community event for 40 members. Additionally, she battle-managed the Defensive Counter-Air team for four missions totaling 22 hours of mission planning, execution and debrief resulting in the certification of four Regional Air Defense Commanders and the validation of systems toward the Ballistic and Cruise Missile Defense of the Guam AOR. Furthermore, Lieutenant De Pena revitalized the Hawaii Air National Guard Blue Shirt Mentorship program, securing venues and guiding four Officer Trainees to meet physical readiness standards while preparing them for Officer Training School. Finally, her sharp thinking led to vital revisions of the Battle Control Center Standards and Evaluation exam and the creation of a strategic reference guide, directly enhancing the inspection preparedness of over 250 squadron personnel during an Inspector General visit. The distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant De Pina reflects credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.

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