Malmstrom, Patrick, Peterson take home top honors in Guardian Challenge 2006

By Capt. Catie Hague, Air Force Space Command Public Affairs / Published August 31, 2006

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Tech. Sgt. Andrew Fulbright, Front Range Honor Guard ceremonial trainer, stands guard of the Guardian Challenge 2006 trophies, Aug. 17. The 341st Space Wing from Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., won the Blanchard Trophy for Best Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Space Wing. The 45th SW from Patrick AFB, Fla., won the Schriever Trophy for Best Space Launch Wing. The 21st SW from Peterson AFB, Colo., won the Aldridge Trophy for Best Space Operations Wing. (Air Force photo by Duncan Wood)

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Inside Hangar 140 here, the air was thick with anticipation as teams from across Air Force Space Command maintained nervous conversation over dinner Aug. 17, awaiting the announcement of the Guardian Challenge 2006 winners.

Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, AFSPC commander, reminded a highly motivated crowd that no matter who took home the trophies, each competitor was critical to the command's warfighting mission.

"We have the best space and missile professionals in the world," General Chilton said. "You are what make the mission of Air Force Space Command go. I don't care what badge you wear on your chest -- operator, maintainer, security forces, comm specialist, pilot -- you're all integral to our mission."

The general noted that the Guardian Challenge competition is ultimately about training, taking away lessons learned to hone mission effectiveness. He told competitors to take advantage of Guardian Challenge by talking to other competitors and bringing best practices back to the wings.

"Our training, education, technology and the willingness to meet any challenge make us the world's best space force," he said.

"There are thousands of space and missile professionals on duty around the clock every day of the year, and more than 900 Airmen from Air Force Space Command currently deployed overseas," the general said. "That's what it's all about."

General Chilton said that the teams' performances at Guardian Challenge 2006 sent a clear signal to the nation, its allies and adversaries. "Air Force Space Command is ready ... ready to take on all comers!"

Since April, competitions held at various bases throughout the command tested more than 150 space professionals in space communications; missile maintenance; spacelift launch; and operations. Security forces members competed here Aug. 14 to 16 for Best Security Forces Team honors.

"The spirit of competition is alive and well," said Brig. Gen. Don Alston, AFSPC director of air, space and information operations. "Guardian Challenge is larger than the weeks and months of preparation and competition. It's about instilling and reinforcing our combat-ready values."

With that, Maj. Gen. Roger Burg, competition judge and director of strategic security, office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Air, Space and Information Operations, Plans and Requirements, announced this year's winners:

The Blanchard Trophy for Best Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Space Wing -- 341st Space Wing, Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont.

The Schriever Trophy for Best Space Launch Wing -- 45th SW, Patrick AFB, Fla.

The Aldridge Trophy for Best Space Operations Wing -- 21st SW, Peterson AFB, Colo.

Overall team winners are:
Space Communications -- 460th SW, Buckley AFB, Colo.
Missile Maintenance -- 341st SW
Spacelift Launch Group -- 45th SW
Security Forces Team - 30th SW, Vandenberg AFB, Calif.

Best individual team winners are:
Missile Maintenance
Communications -- 90th SW, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.
Electro-mechanical -- 341st SW
Missile Mechanical -- 91st SW, Minot AFB, N.D.
Missile Handling -- 90th SW
Power, Refrigeration and Electrics -- 341st SW

Security Forces
Tactics Exercise -- 45th SW
Combat Marksmanship -- 45th SW
Obstacle Course -- 50th SW, Schriever AFB, Colo.

Operations Crews
Spacelift Operations -- 30th SW
Space Operations -- 20th Space Control Squadron from the 21st SW
Missile Operations -- 90th SW
"Sit and Spin" Helicopter Hover Competition -- 341st SW
Helicopter Flight Scenario -- 91st SW
Overall Helicopter Operations -- 341st SW

The tradition of Guardian Challenge began in 1967 when Strategic Air Command opened its first missile combat competition, nicknamed "Curtain Raiser." Two combat crews from each intercontinental ballistic missile wing and a single combat targeting and alignment team competed to determine the best of the best.

As General Alston reminded the more than 700 awards banquet attendees, the pioneers who stretched the envelope in the face of criticism as air power evolved, eventually reshaped the way wars would be fought forever.

"I see before me the pioneers for the next 60 years and certainly the future leaders of AFSPC," General Alston said. "In future conflicts, space power will play a predominant role; space will influence the outcome."

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