Global Strike team nominated for Citation of Honor

by Airman 1st Class Joseph Raatz
Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs

8/9/2013 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La.  -- Air Force Global Strike Command's Bomber Nuclear Guidance Transformation Team has been nominated to compete at the Air Force level for the Air Force Association Aerospace Award, Citation of Honor.

The Citation of Honor is presented for the most outstanding contribution to national defense significantly exceeding standard performance by an Air Force military member, Department of the Air Force civilian, unit or group of individuals.

"Being nominated for this award is a fantastic and fully appreciated message of gratitude for the immense time and effort expended by our team," Chief of Operations Plans Branch, Lt. Col. Jonathan Park said.

The Bomber Nuclear Guidance Transformation Team led the most significant nuclear regulations overhaul in 20 years, Park said. Their contributions include: building the Department of Defense's first searchable electronic library of 89 Strategic Air Command regulations, revamping nuclear guidance and fielding a complex computer simulation that offers insight into current policies, manning, resources and force structure of the B-52 Stratofortress.

The team's efforts have many benefits, Park said. The computer simulation alone saves 37,000 man-hours and $2.2 million per generation. Their restructuring of nuclear guidance and training regulations support the goal of reinvigorating and strengthening the nuclear enterprise.

While it is an honor to be nominated, Park said, it was not the team's goal.

"Ultimately, recognition at any level doesn't validate our efforts," Park said. "Validation of our efforts is achieved through gains in mission effectiveness and efficiency as well as feedback from the units and combatant commands we support."

AFA will present the awards to the final winners during their Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition 2013 this September in Washington, D.C.