Osan Airman wins Air Force-level award

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael Battles
  • 51st Fighter Wing Republic of Korea
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  A member of the 51st Maintenance Squadron won the Air Force's 2011 Outstanding Electronic Warfare Officer Award.

Tech. Sgt. James Calzo, an avionics production supervisor with the 51st MXS received the good news from Col. Deborah Meserve, former 51st Maintenance Group commander, June 7, 2012.

By overseeing the inspection and maintenance of all electronic warfare assets and support equipment assigned to the 51st Fighter Wing, he was able to guide his team to complete more than 512 maintenance actions and finished the successful repair of units worth $3.5 million.

"This award is proof that everyone's hard work contributes to the big picture seen by higher command," the 12-year avionics specialist said. "No matter where we may be, we're still on team looking after one another."

Calzo, a native of San Diego, Calif., is on his third duty assignment at Osan Air Base, and he is currently on a three-year tour.

Calzo also sustained Pacific Air Forces largest electronic attack pod inventory that enabled Osan to fly more than 5,000 sorties.

"When I received the short turn award tasker, Tech. Sgt. Calzo was the first name that came to mind," said Tech. Sgt. Danielle McGill, 51st MXS electronic warfare systems section chief. "As a production supervisor, he has undoubtedly made our electronic warfare mission happen every day since he got here in 2009. As was evident in his award package, he has extensive maintenance knowledge and an uncanny ability to lead his team to success."

Calzo contributed winning the award to his great team and leadership.

"As all maintainers know, maintenance is never done alone," Calzo said. "Many of us come from different maintenance backgrounds, so they've always brought new and innovative ideas to the table to get the job done. I owe this award to my team. My leaders have always been supportive every step of the way. I thank them for recognizing me with this honor."