LC-130H wing awarded Spaatz Trophy

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STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y. --  The 109th Airlift Wing was awarded the prestigious National Guard Association of the United States' Spaatz Trophy for 2007 during the NGAUS Award Ceremony in Baltimore Sept. 22.

Lt. Gen. Craig McKinley, Air National Guard director, presented Col. Anthony German, 109th AW commander, the trophy at the ceremony.

The Spaatz trophy, named in honor of former Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Carl S. Spaatz, is presented to the overall outstanding flying unit in the Air National Guard.

According to the citation, the wing was honored for executing "state and national objectives in the Global War on Terrorism, the United States Antarctic Program and other contingency operations."

As the operator of the Department of Defense's only ski-equipped LC-130H aircraft, the unit achieved new records for Operation Deep Freeze in Antarctica while simultaneously expanding its combat operations significantly.

Notably, the wing volunteered and filled a short notice Operation Enduring Freedom tasking by deploying two aircraft and four crews with associated maintenance and support personnel. This effort required the wing to stand-up the unit's first C-130 combat capability since the Vietnam War in only nine months.

During this time, the 109th AW sustained its support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, global operations in the war on terror, and homeland security priorities including Operation Jump Start.

Throughout 2007, the 109th AW deployed a total of 684 personnel serving more than 19,300 days to support these global missions.

"This wing continues to provide extraordinary service to this state and to this great nation," Colonel German said. "I am proud of our Airmen for continuing to excel in the performance of their duties, whether it be here at home, in Antarctica, in Greenland or in hostile lands supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

"This award reflects the dedication given by all to make the 109th Airlift Wing the best in the world."

Selection is based on overall combat readiness and the unit's performance with respect to all other Air Guard flying units, according to the NGAUS Web site. Factors included in the evaluation are flying safety, aircraft operation readiness, weapons firing, unit alerts, unit manning, skill level qualifications, retention, drill attendance, operational readiness inspections, outstanding accomplishments, and special missions and exercises.

The wing provides tactical LC-130H intratheater airlift and airdrop support to Operation Deep Freeze, which is commanded by U.S. Pacific Command's Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica. Headquartered at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, and led by 13th Air Force, JTF SFA's mission is to provide air- and sealift support to the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctic Program.