Strategic Command units win awards

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OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. (AFPN) --  Three U.S. Strategic Command units have been selected recently for the Omaha Trophy, which is presented annually to units demonstrating the highest standards of performance.

Selection for the award is based on formal evaluations, meritorious achievement, safety, and other factors such as community involvement and humanitarian actions.

The 2007 winners are:
-- The Deterrence Operation Trophy to the 341st Space Wing at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont.
-- The Space Operations Trophy to the Joint Space Operations Center at Vandenberg AFB, Calif.
-- The Cyberspace Trophy to the Joint Functional Component Command-Network Warfare at Fort Meade, Md. 

"The accomplishments of these units are noteworthy because of their impressive performance, and all the more noteworthy because of the keen competition among the nominees. Their contributions to the security and defense of our great nation cannot be overstated," said Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, the commander of U.S. Strategic Command. "As leaders in strategic deterrence and the preeminent global warfighters in space and cyberspace, it is important we recognize the warfighters on the frontline providing global security for America." 

Malmstrom's effectiveness toward global security was showcased throughout the year in each unit's individual job performances and tasks to mission success; however, a few stand out as key achievements to receiving this award. They include partaking in the largest logistics undertaking in Minuteman III history by seamlessly integrating more than $9 billion in missile modifications along with a squadron deactivation; flying more than 2,500 hours and 1,500 sorties to support the 20th Air Force's helicopter missions with an unparalleled safety record; and completing the biggest security forces upgrade training programs in the Air Force with a 100 percent pass rate and an average score of nearly 87 percent. 

Team Malmstrom also received many awards including the Blanchard Trophy; 20 Air Force-level annual awards; and numerous Air Force Space Command awards and recognition. The wing was also the command's busiest Air Expeditionary Force machine, deploying 800 Airmen to Iraq and Afghanistan with a less than one percent error rate. 

The year also brought many inspections and evaluations to the wing. During a Nuclear Surety Inspection the base performed their tasks well receiving three "outstanding" and nine "excellent" area ratings and aced the NSI with a 100 percent pass rate, which the Inspector General said demonstrated "superb" attention to detail.

The Omaha Trophy was presented to the Strategic Air Command in 1971 on behalf of the citizens of Omaha, Neb., by the SAC Consultation Committee, with the request that it be awarded annually to the outstanding SAC wing. From 1992 to 1997, two categories were created, one for aircraft and one for a ballistic missile unit. In 1998, the Omaha Trophy was expanded to three categories: Intercontinental ballistic missile trophy, submarine ballistic missile command trophy, and strategic aircraft operations trophy. A fourth category, the strategic space and information operations trophy, was added in 2003.

The award categories this year were updated to reflect U.S. Strategic Command's current missions and organizational structure. The three categories reflect the command's primary lines of operations and continued emphasis on global deterrence and its evolving role in global Department of Defense operations. 

(Localized by Senior Airman Eydie Sakura, 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office)