Elmendorf NCO named one of 12 'Outstanding Airmen' for 2008

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class David Carbajal
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  For the second consecutive year, an Airmen from Elmendorf AFB was named as one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen for 2008. 

Out of 33 nominees, Tech. Sgt. Jason Hughes, 3rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, was selected by a board based on his leadership, job performance and personal achievements. 

Taking NCO of the Year locally, at 11th Air Force and at Pacific Air Forces levels, Sergeant Hughes was sent to represent PACAF at the Air Force level. 

"We are very proud of Sergeant Hughes," said Master Sgt. Kenneth Desaussure, the award winner's supervisor during 2007. "He is a great representative and example for all of the Airmen working on the flightline day in and day out." 

According to his nomination package, Sergeant Hughes was handpicked for the beddown of the F-22A Raptor, supervising more than 50 personnel and controlling nearly $1.5 billion in assets. 

He reorganized on-aircraft training requirements, training 150 Airmen in three months and gaining 500 hours of aircraft availability. 

The 11-year master sergeant select coordinated the F-22 fly over for Soaring into Solstice, during a recent air show at Eielson Air Force Base. 

He managed more than 1,000 scheduled maintenance actions, achieving 100 percent effectiveness over the span of six months. 

Sergeant Hughes prepped personnel for the first-ever F-22 Alaska North American Aerospace Defense Command Region alert during the F-15 Eagle grounding from Nov. 3 to Jan. 9. 

He also helped contribute to a 76.9 percent F-15 eight-hour fix rate topping the Combat Air Force rate in fiscal year 2007. 

The Pottstown, Pa., native helped with the transfer F-15E equipment to Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, saving more than $1.5 million in shipping costs. 

While attending the Elmendorf NCO Academy, Sergeant Hughes was the selected recipient for the Commandants Award. 

During his off-duty time, Sergeant Hughes volunteered for several agencies to include the 90th Aircraft Maintenance Unit booster club and Airmen Against Drunk Driving. Sergeant Hughes also volunteered eight hours for Special Olympics, assisting more than 100 athletes during the on-base event.