67th CW wins Omaha Trophy

by 2nd Lt. Meredith Hein
24th Air Force Public Affairs

5/7/2014 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Adm. Cecil D. Haney, U.S. Strategic Command commander, presented the Omaha Trophy for global operations to the 67th Cyberspace Wing May 5 at JBSA-Lackland.

"This trophy is a hallmark of outstanding performance for U.S. Strategic Command," said Haney. "I can't emphasize enough how important this mission is to the nation and the warfighter. Cyber is clearly inherent in any conflict or future conflict."

Col. William J. Poirier, 67th CW commander, accepted the trophy on behalf of the wing.

"Members of the 67th Cyberspace Wing, where ever you may be, this is your award," said Poirier. He highlighted the achievements listed on the award citation, stating that they were the work of many individual Airmen and teams throughout the wing.

The Omaha Trophy is awarded annually to military units that demonstrate the highest performance in U.S. Strategic Command's mission areas, according to USSTRATCOM's website. Selections are based on items including formal evaluations, meritorious achievement and safety.

There are four categories for the award, including global operations, intercontinental ballistic missile, submarine ballistic missile and strategic aircraft operations.

"Earning this Global Operations Trophy is a true reflection of our wing's omnipresence in today's global combat operations and is a testament to the huge strides we have made in moving cyber operations forward for our nation," said Poirier. "The dedication, innovation and warrior spirit of every Airman in this wing, whether military, civilian or contractor, made this possible--One Team, One Mission."

The award is sponsored by Omaha's Strategic Command Consultation Committee, which recognizes four outstanding units each year. The categories of the awards reflect USSTRATCOM's primary mission areas with emphasis on strategic deterrence and evolving role in global operations, according to USSTRATCOM's website.

Members of the U.S. Strategic Command Consultation Committee were unable to attend the ceremony, but passed on their congratulations to the 67th CW.

"We are so appreciative for the efforts that earned you this recognition," said Haney on behalf of the committee.

The first Omaha Trophy was presented to Strategic Air Command in 1971 on behalf of the citizens of Omaha, Neb., where SAC was headquartered. The award has changed since that time to reflect the command's missions and organizational structure.

The 67th CW, which, at the time, was the 67th Network Warfare Wing, won the Omaha Trophy in 2009 and 2011 in the global operations category.

"You carry a unique history and, frankly, it is about change," said Haney. "This is an area where we have grown in so many remarkable ways. We must continue to grow as we move forward."