5th MXG earns Daedalian Trophy

by Airman 1st Class Sahara Fales
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

3/10/2015 - MINTO AIR FORCE BASE,  -- Minot Air Force Base's 5th Maintenance Group earned the Air Force Global Strike Command 2014 Clements McMullen Memorial Daedalian Weapon System Maintenance Trophy.

The trophy is presented annually to a unit determined by Air Force Headquarters to have the best weapon system maintenance record for the preceding calendar year.

"The 5th MXG performed many acts to merit this award," said Chief Master Sgt. Charles Miller, 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit chief. "Most notable for last fiscal year was their ability to split into three groups and still provide safe, secure, reliable aircraft and munitions operations to support U.S. Pacific Command, Air Force Global Strike Command and U.S. Strategic Command from three locations independently: Guam, Ellsworth Air Force Base and Minot Air Force Base."

Our B-52H Stratofortress maintainers excelled when compared to other AFGSC bases in the four major categories: mission accomplishments, innovative management, use of resources and quality of life.

The 5th MXG led AFGSC's call for full spectrum global strike operations by readying 27 mission capable B-52H Stratofortresses in sub-zero temperatures.

The hard work and dedication of the 5th MXG Airmen resulted in the generation of 1,036 sorties and 6,175 flying hours, according to the award citation.

Master Sgt. Brian Combs, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron personnel reliability program monitor, attributes the MXG's success to teamwork.

"Anything with maintenance and getting planes in the air takes a lot of teamwork," Combs said.

"It feels good to win an award like this. It says that we as a squadron work very well," he added. "I'm proud to say we're the best in Air Force Global Strike Command."

Next, the 5th MXG will be judged against other Air Force major command nominees to determine the best maintenance group in the Air Force. The winner will go on to compete against the other branches, as the Daedalian is one of few awards that crosses services.

"Competing at the Air Force level is humbling," Miller said. "Now we have the chance to represent the command at the highest level.  You know you're good at your job, but when outside agencies confirm that, it feels good."