Youngstwon unit wins Grover Loening Trophy

Published May 20, 2011
By Master Sgt. Bob Barko Jr.
910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office

YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- The 910th Airlift Wing's 757th Airlift Squadron was awarded the 2010 Air Force Reserve Grover Loening Trophy, May 2. The trophy is awarded annually to Air Force Reserve Command flying units and associate units, exclusive of combat rescue and special operations units. The award is named for noted aviation pioneer, Grover Loening and is given to promote a competitive spirit among AFRC flying squadrons.

The news of the trophy being awarded to the 757th was accompanied by a message from the Air Force Reserve's top officer.

"Please extend my sincere congratulations to the men and women of the 757th Airlift Squadron for their dedication and hard work," said Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., Air Force Reserve commander.

According to AFRC, the 757th distinguished itself by outstanding achievement of national and international significance during the 2010 calendar year. During worldwide contingency, humanitarian and training operations, the squadron's Citizen Airmen flew 5,119 hours. During those flying missions, they moved 2,204 passengers and 297,000 pounds of cargo and dropped 2,371 paratroopers as well as 84,000 pounds of cargo.
Also, during a Unit Compliance Inspection and within two months of start of an Air Mobility Command Aircrew Standards and Evaluations Visit, squadron personnel immediately responded to a call by the president of the United States to respond to the largest environmental disaster in United States history. The 757th provided the first ever Department of Defense large area oil dispersion mission following the sinking of Transocean Deepwater Horizon oil rig and the resulting oil spill which impacted the coastal states along the Gulf of Mexico. During the 42-day operation, the squadron's highly trained personnel worked in a joint, inter-agency and multi-command environment to achieve their mission objectives.

In addition to completing operations across the United States, the 757th sent a 62-person team to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, to support the 38th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. While based at Ramstein, the team completed 244 sorties that moved 867 passengers and 836 pounds of cargo. This team was also charged with closing down operations of the 38th EAS.

Individual accomplishments within the 757th, including six quarterly wing awards and two "of the year" awards, contributed to the squadron winning the Loening Trophy.

"The professionalism, knowledge, and technical expertise exhibited daily by every member (of the unit) remain second to none," said Col. Craig Peters, 910th Operations Group commander. "I'm proud to command these professionals, our Citizen Airmen, the best AFRC and our nation has to offer."

Colonel Peters said the unit's success was due to the contributions of the entire 910th Airlift Wing supporting the primary mission of providing aircrews and aircraft to anywhere, anytime.

"Thanks to all of the 910 Operations Group and the 910th Airlift Wing in helping us achieve this tremendous recognition from AFRC," said Colonel Peters.