March host wing contributes to overall success of Mobility Air Force mission

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joseph Dangidang
  • 452 AMW public affairs
The 452nd Air Mobility Wing, March Air Reserve Base, California, is the recipient of the 2014 Airlift/Tanker Association's Lieutenant General James E. Sherrard III Award.

According to the A/TA website, the award recognizes Reserve wings for their outstanding contributions to the overall success of the Mobility Air Force mission.

"We wanted this to be a 'team' award to spur unit camaraderie," said retired Major General 'Buddy' Reed, one of the originators of the award. "The award is to recognize the wings/groups that distinguished themselves above all others in their performance of their mission in support of the AMC mission."

The 452 AMW's collaborative efforts between all its units helped complete its MAF mission of training, organizing and equipping aircrews to provide air refueling and strategic airlift for any of the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as providing humanitarian aid when needed, with excellence and with maximum professionalism.

The nomination package highlighted numerous achievements the wing accomplished from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014.

Aircrew and maintainers achieved an impressive 13,454 flying hours transporting 6,186 short tons of cargo and 51,887 personnel from various organizations, including the National Air and Space Administration (NASA), United States Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, Army and Air National Guard. They supported numerous worldwide operations including Haiti and Santo Domingo humanitarian relief with 183 tons of cargo, 68 pallets, and 83 passengers, and coordination with NASA to support its $253 million Aquarius Satellite delivery mission.

Operationally, wing members completed significant missions such as the processing of Marines and tons of cargo and equipment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The 452 AMW was also the lead unit for U.S. Central Command's first tanker Forward Operating Base in Afghanistan.

With airlift and air refueling in every theater, March is a key contributor to Central Commands' area of operation.

"Our goals are to organize, train and equip," said Col. Russell Muncy, commander, 452 AMW. "In meeting those goals, we provide our nation the highest quality of warfighter needed to meet mission requirements."

Muncy is no stranger to this award as he was commander of the 507th Air Refueling Wing, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, in 2012 when they received it.

"The 452nd is unique because of its high level of commitment to ongoing missions around the world," he said. "We are constantly called upon to provide services to major commands and we do so as a fully-integrated Total Force wing."

They received a large number of nominations for all the awards, and the selection process was difficult, said General Darren W. McDew, commander, Air Mobility Command.

"I applaud all the nominees and extend my thanks for all the outstanding contributions our officers and enlisted personnel are making to the Air Force and their demonstrated leadership in the civilian community, he said."