AFSC 2W1X1
Aircraft Armament Systems
Awards
Technical Sergeant Steven R. Sliger distinguished himself by meritorious service while assigned as Weapons Load Crew Chief, 140th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 140th Maintenance Group, Buckley Air Force Base, Aurora, Colorado, from XXXXXXXXXX to XXXXXXXXXX. During this period, Sergeant Sliger's outstanding weapons loading abilities, professional attitude, and devotion to duty contributed immeasurably to the wing's loading capabilities. During numerous higher headquarters inspections, he demonstrated the ability to perform flawless loading operations while operating under the most difficult and austere conditions. His superior knowledge of the F-16 weapons system aided in identifying problem areas in loading operations and established new training procedures for the GBU-38 GPS guided munitions, GBU-12 laser guided munitions, AIM-9X, and BRU-57. This, coupled with the improvements he suggested in the Weapons Loading Crew Training program, greatly improved the overall mission effectiveness and combat readiness of the wing. His technical approach was critical to the success of numerous deployments to include Operations NOBLE EAGLE and IRAQI FREEDOM. The singularly distintive accomplishments of Sergeant Sliger reflect great credit upon himself, the Colorado Air National Guard and the United States Air Force.
Technical Sergeant John C. Wallner distinguished himself by meritorious service while assigned as Weapons Expediter, 332d Aircraft Maintenence Squadron, 332d Wing, Kandahar Air Base, Kandahar, Afghanistan. During this period, the professional skill, leadership, and ceaseless efforts of Sergeant Wallner contributed to the effectiveness and success of MQ-9 Reaper operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. As the lead Weapons expeditor, Sergeant Wallner provided direction during the generation of 277 combat sorties that resulted in thirteen GBU-12 launches and the elimination of five IED emplacers. In addition, while performing an aircraft munitions post-load inspection, Sergeant Wallner identified an activated Battery Firing Device on a GBU-12 bomb and quickly took the necessary measures to safely remove the bomb from the aircraft. Sergeant Wallner's rapid reaction and outstanding professional skill averted potential damage to Air Force equipment and injury to personnel. Finally, his development of a locally produced munitions transport cart improved operations and was adopted by the Air Force as a new standard. The distinctive accomplishments of Technical Sergeant Wallner reflect credit upon himself, the 332d Aircraft Maintenence Squadron, and the United States Air Force.
Technical Sergeant Andrew A. Apsley distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as Weapons Load Crew Member, 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 169th Fighter Wing, McEntire Air National Guard Station, South Carolina, from XXXXXXXXX to XXXXXXXXXX. During this high visibility event, Technical Sergeant Apsley played a key role in winning the weapons loading competition by loading an AIM-120C and an AIM-9X in one minute and fifty-seven seconds with zero discrepancies. His tireless efforts and relentless pursuit of perfection drove his crew to set a new Falcon Air Meet record for the weapons loading competition. Sergeant Apsley's hard work and dedication earned a perfect score for maintenance for the 169th Fighter Wing and went on to win the overall competition, becoming the first ever American team to win the Falcon Air Meet. The distinctive accomplishments of Technical Sergeant Apsley reflect credit upon himself, the 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Staff Sergeant Jason D. Tinsley distinguished himself by meritorious service while assigned as Weapons Load Team Chief, 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Group, 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana from XXXXX XXXXX to XXXXX XXXXX. During this period, the outstanding professional skill, leadership, and ceaseless efforts of Sergeant Tinsley resulted in major contributions to the effectiveness and success of the 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. Sergeant Tinsley developed a shop troubleshooting log which reduced errors and repair times by 30 percent, saving over 100 man hours per month. Additionally, Sergeant Tinsley was a key factor in the success of Exercise Prairie Vigilance, filling a short notice gap and loading 168 AGM-86/Bs with a 99 percent missile pass rate. Finally, Sergeant Tinsley configured five aircraft with zero discrepancies and loaded 25 MK-82s and 13 GBU-31s in a local Conventional Operational Readiness Exercise. His efforts led to an Excellent rating for the 2nd Bomb Wing and his selection as the 2nd Maintenance Group's Maintenance Professional of the Year. The distintive accomplishments of Sergeant Tinsley reflect great credit upon himself, the 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and the United States Air Force.
Technical Sergeant Terry K. Lehman distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as F-16 Weapons Expediter, 34th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, 388th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 388th Maintenance Group, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, from XXXXXXXX to XXXXXXXXXX. During this period, as a key player in Air Expeditionary Force preparation, Sergeant Lehman post loaded four bombs during Exercise GREEN FLAG East at Barksdale Air Force Base, resulting in a 100 percent release rate and facilitating pilot upgrade training required for combat operations. Additionally, Sergeant Lehman coordinated munitions movements during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, and supported 1,300 sorties and 5,000 flying hours, providing immediate response to a variety of enemy threats and the destruction of six insurgent weapons caches. Moreover, while under constant threat of rocket and mortar attack, during Operation DRAGON PURSUIT, Sergeant Lehman post loaded six guided bombs, resulting in a 100 percent release rate and the destruction of an explosive laden village. Finally, Sergeant Lehman directed over fifty munitions loading operations for six aircraft in support of Operation NOBLE EAGLE in less than twelve hours, providing uninterrupted protection for the President of the United States. The distinctive accomplishments of Technical Sergeant Lehman reflect great credit upon himself, the 388th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Airman First Class Calvin O. Wiggins distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as Weapons Maintenance Team Member, 39th Maintenance Squadron, 39th Air Base Wing, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. During this period, Airman Wiggins displayed exceptional technical ability during the March 2011 Nuclear Surety Inspection, performing a flawless limited life component exchange and weapon receipt technical operation. His efforts directly contributed to the Wing receiving a Satisfactory rating and resulted in his recognition as a "Superior Performer". Furthermore, he expertly completed 124 weapons technical evaluations, maintaining a 98 percent Quality Assurance pass rate while supporting the Wing's surety mission. Finally, Airman Wiggins superbly maintained two technical order accounts with 195 technical orders resulting in the March 2011 Nuclear Surety Inspection inspector noting his accounts as flawless. His professionalism led to his selection as 39th Air Base Wing's 2010 Lieutenant General Marquez Award winner. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Airman Wiggins reflect credit upon himself, the 39th Maintenance Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Chief Master Sergeant David B. Salway distinguished himself by meritorious service while assigned as Wing Weapons Manager, 122nd Maintenance Group, 122nd Fighter Wing, Fort Wayne Air National Guard Station, Fort Wayne, Indiana. During this period, the outstanding professional skill, leadership, and ceaseless efforts of Sergeant Salway resulted in major contributions to the effectiveness and success of Air Force Weapons standardization and safety. His ability to communicate organizational policies and expectations, and ensure all members have the required equipment, tools, and resources resulted in the 122nd Fighter Wing experiencing outstanding Weapon Release Rates from 2008 to 2011 with an average of 99.4 percent, well above Air National Guard and Air Combat Command standards. In addition, Sergeant Salway's involvement and excellent time management skills proved effective while scheduling and monitoring over 650 acceptance inspections on over 14 million dollars worth of Alternate Mission Armament Equipment. The distinctive accomplishments of Chief Master Sergeant Salway reflect credit upon himself, the 122nd Maintenance Group and the United States Air Force.
Senior Airman Justin B. Schaefer distinguished himself by meritorious service as Squadron Lead Crew Member while assigned to the 18th Maintenance Operations Squadron, 18th Maintenance Group, Kadena Air Base, Japan. During this period, Airman Schaefer proved instrumental in the successful deployment to Hickam Air Force Base in support of Exercise RIMPAC. He led the upload of six live AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), enabling critical pilot combat training and joint international maritime training success while maintaining a one hundred percent release rate. Moreover, Airman Schaefer meticulously expedited the 67th AMU flight line, a task normally performed by a senior NCO, during exercise Beverly High 10-1, resulting in the upload of 12 F-15C aircraft in less than three hours with no weapons discrepancies. Finally Airman Schaefer excelled as a Squadron Lead Crew Member during the certification of 21 weapons load crew members and evaluation of 115 flight line munition uploads, leading to the correction of 28 deficiencies and contributing to the 18th Wing achieving the Air Force Safety award for five years straight. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Schaefer reflect great credit upon himself, the 18th Maintenance Operations Squadron, and the United States Air Force.
Master Sergeant Shane N. Westerly distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as Senior Weapons System Coordinator, 31st Maintenance Operations Squadron, 31st Maintenance Group, 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy. During this period, as Operation ODYSSEY DAWN was established to lead the operational and tactical international military response to the unrest in Libya, Sergeant Westerly designed the Maintenance Operation Center contingency plan which incorporated six units into the 31st Fighter Wing and enabled combat operations in less than 24 hours. Additionally, as War Operations Center Maintenance Coordinator, he coordinated support for 98 aircraft and facilitated the production of 800 combat sorties. Furthermore, he built and monitored daily Aircraft Tasking Orders for seven units, ensuring the accomplishment of all takings and safe flight line operations. Finally, he coordinated critical UHF/VHF un-encrypted communications for Navy maintenance and aircrew operations. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Westerly reflect credit upon himself, the 31st Maintenance Operations Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Staff Sergeant Darren G. Jakobsen distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as Weapons Load Crew Chief, 31st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 31st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Group, 31st Air Expeditionary Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy. During this period, Sergeant Jakobsen flawlessly orchestrated over 100 explosive loading operations during the initial stages of Operation ODESSEY DAWN. His attention to detail was paramount in producing 139 combat sorties, culminating in the delivery of 407 precision guided weapons with a 99 percent release rate. Additionally, on day two of the operation, when the Combined Air Operations Centers directed a standard Configuration List munitions change, Sergeant Jakobsen personally reconfigured six aircraft in less than six hours, enabling an on-time take-off with a full complement of weapons and resulted in safe and effective weapons systems operations and the destruction of three ammunition depots and six armored vehicles. Finally, Sergeant Jakobsen conducted over 80 End of Runway inspections, preserving the ability to launch missions around the clock. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Jakobsen reflect credit upon himself, the 31st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the United States Air Force.
