452nd AMW wins Airlift-Tanker Association Sherrard Award

by Senior Airman Joseph Dangidang
452nd Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

9/3/2014 - MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, California -- The 452nd Air Mobility Wing here is the 2014 recipient of the Airlift/Tanker Association's Lt. Gen. James E. Sherrard III Award.

The award recognizes a reserve wing for outstanding contributions to the overall success of the Mobility Air Force mission . The nomination package highlighted wing achievements from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014.

"We wanted this to be a 'team' award to spur unit camaraderie," said retired Maj. Gen. 'Buddy' Reed, one of the originators of the award. "The award is to recognize the wings/groups that distinguished themselves above all others in their performance of their mission in support of the AMC mission."

The Air Force Reserve unit achieved an impressive 13,454 flying hours, transporting 6,186 short tons of cargo and 51,887 personnel from various organizations, including the National Air and Space Administration, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Army and Air National Guard. The wing supported numerous worldwide operations including Haiti and Santo Domingo humanitarian relief with 183 tons of cargo, 68 pallets, and 83 passengers, and coordination with NASA to support its $253 million Aquarius Satellite delivery mission.

Operationally, the wing completed significant missions such as the processing Marines and tons of cargo and equipment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The wing was also the lead unit for U.S. Central Command's first tanker Forward Operating Base in Afghanistan.

"Our goals are to organize, train and equip," said Col. Russell Muncy, 452nd AMW commander. "The 452nd is unique because of its high level of commitment to ongoing missions around the world," he said. "We are constantly called upon to provide services to major commands and we do so as a fully-integrated Total Force wing."

Muncy  is no stranger to the Sherrard Award. He commanded the 507th Air Refueling Wing, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, when the 507th earned the honor in 2012.