Airmen honored for most meritorious flight

Capt. Robert Rosebrough, 1st Lt. Luke Will, Master Sgt. Dustin Thomas and Staff Sgt. Tim Philpott, all members of the 33rd Rescue Squadron, were presented the 2009 Mackay Trophy during the National Aeronautic Association Fall Awards Banquet in Arlington, Va. Nov. 8. They received the award for flying an HH-60G Pavehawk under fire during rescue operations near Frontenac Forward Operating Base, Afghanistan on July 29, 2009. (Courtesy photo by National Aeronautic Association)

Kadena Airmen honored at National Aeronautic Association

Published Nov. 19, 2010
By National Aeronautic Association

WASHINGTON -- Four members of the 33rd Rescue Squadron were presented the 2009 Mackay Trophy during the NAA Fall Awards Banquet on November 8, 2010, in Arlington, Va.

The crew of Pedro 16 -- Capt. Robert Rosebrough, 1st Lt. Luke Will, Master Sgt. Dustin Thomas and Staff Sgt. Tim Philpott -- received the award for flying an HH-60G Pavehawk under fire during rescue operations near Frontenac Forward Operating Base, Afghanistan, on July 29, 2009.

Cited for demonstrating the utmost bravery, Pedro 16 and two Army OH-58s engaged enemy forces in an effort to defend and recover Pedro 15, who was downed by enemy fire. Pedro 16 landed, positioning their aircraft directly between enemy positions and the crew of Pedro 15. With rounds falling within 10 meters, Pedro 16 evacuated six U.S. Air Force Airmen and three US Army soldiers from the "hot" landing zone.

The Mackay Trophy was first presented by Clarence Mackay in 1912 and deeded to the National Aeronautic Association. Awarded annually for the "most meritorious flight of the year" by an Air Force person, persons, or organization, the trophy program is administered in partnership between the United States Air Force and NAA.