Armament Equipment Manager Awards
Master Sergeant Jeffery N Hayes distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as Armament Equipment Manager, 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 52nd Maintenance Group, 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. During this period, Sergeant Hayes performed as Programs Flight Chief, where he identified and corrected over 200 program discrepancies in preparation for the 2011 Logistic Compliance Assessment Program inspection. His attention to detail was pivotal to the squadron's 86% inspection rating which contributed to the 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's 2011 United Stated Air Forces in Europe Maintenance Effectiveness Award. Additionally, as the Unit Deployment Manager, Sergeant Hayes guided the preparation and deployment of 38 personnel and 19,000 pounds of support equipment to Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. His actions facilitated 2,246 combat sorties, 12,800 flight hours, and 135,000 pounds of munitions expended. Finally, as Armament Equipment Manager, Sergeant Hayes led the inventory and accounting of 283 pieces of excess Alternate Mission Equipment valued at 4.8 million dollars. His coordination with equipment item managers cemented the seamless transfer of 53 equipment items to the 31st Fighter Wing, thereby enhancing the unit's wartime readiness and eliminating equipment shortfalls. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Hayes reflect credit upon himself, the 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and the United States Air Force.
Staff Sergeant Allen K Solenberg distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as Armament Maintenance Technician while assigned to 7th Munitions Squadron, 7th Maintenance Group, 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas from 19 August 2011 to 28 September 2013. During this period, Sergeant Solenberg was selected to lead a quick response team for the Proud Shield Competition. Completing three reliability checks, his flawless equipment led to being selected best BW in the Air Force. Furthermore, he responded to the flightline to assist in the download of a jammed pylon, removing it and minimizing the damage to a vital million dollar asset. Additionally, he aggressively troubleshot a launcher malfunction, identifying water in the cooling system, and prevented unnecessary repairs valued at 22,000 dollars. Finally, Sergeant Solenberg performed six laucher reliability checks for the Combat Hammer exercise, producing 10,000 pounds of munitions on target. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Solenberg reflect great credit upon himself, the 7th Munitions Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Senior Airman Brian D. Leonard distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as Armament Maintenance Section Technician, 7th Munitions Squadron, 7th Maintenance Group, 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas from 17 July 2012 to 14 February 2014. During this period, Airman Leonard was among the first Dyess maintainers to be trained on Multiple Ejector Rack flush procedures and was indispensable to keeping flight tests on schedule. In addition, Airman Leonard identified a launcher technical data error and submitted a correction to the Technical Manual to Higher Headquarters, resulting in its immediate correction and preventing possible maintenance or operational failures. Further, Airman Leonard executed fifty six one-time inspections on the launcher aft bolster assembly, identifying forty eight discrepancies, and ensuring that required parts were ordered and installed. Finally, his efforts ensured that the squadron received an excellent rating during the Logistic Compliance Assessment Program inspection. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Leonard reflect great credit upon himself, the 7th Munitions Squadron, and the United States Air Force.
Staff Sergeant Christopher G. Nelson distinguished himself by meritorious service as Aircraft Armament Systems Craftsman while assigned to the 849th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 49th Maintenance Group, 49th Fighter Wing, Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. During this period, Sergeant Nelson's professional skill, superior leadership and ceaseless efforts enabled the successful standup and combat readiness of the 849th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. He was crucial in directing over 320 munitions loads, contributing to 3,456 sorties and 2300 flying hours. Additionally, while deployed, Sergeant Nelson coordinated with the Navy and the Combined Joint Task Force for the Horn of Africa to lead 255 missile moves while meeting armed Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance safety requirements. Furthermore, he troubleshot and repaired an emergent weapons system anomaly, leading to the release of six missiles on three high value targets. Finally, sergeant Nelson assisted a crash and recovery team by safing and downloading a live missile, clearing the active runway and restoring Combined Joint Task Force operations. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Nelson reflect great credit upon himself, the 849th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and the United States Air Force.
Staff Sergeant Valerie Hargrave distinguished herself by meritorious service while serving as Squadron Lead Crew Member while assigned to the 49th Maintenance Operations Squadron, 49th Maintenance Group, 49th Fighter Wing, Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. During this period, Sergeant Hargrave certified and trained 16 weapons load crews on the MQ-1 and MQ-9 to perform 147 munitions loads, resulting in 1,100 sorties and 7,800 flying hours. Additionally, Sergeant Hargrave removed alternate mission equipment, supporting the Haiti earthquake humanitarian mission with 767 flying hours and 36 intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance sorties. Furthermore, she trained Cannon Air Force Base personnel on weapons maintenance procedures, enabling the successful standup and combat readiness of Air Force Special Operations Command. Moreover, she identified a faulty missile that had been overlooked by several teams, earning the award of Maintenance Professional of the Quarter and Armament Technician of the Quarter. Finally, Sergeant Hargrave's superior technical ability contributed to the Maintenance Operations Squadron of the Year Award and the Wing Meritorious Unit Award. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Hargrave reflect great credit upon herself, the 49th Maintenance Operations Squadron and the United States Air Force.