Wing rises to meet year's challenges; wins award

by Capt. Erin Dorrance
45th Space Wing Public Affairs

5/5/2014 - PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.  -- There were budget cuts, personnel shortages, civilian furloughs, and a government shutdown in 2013. All of those challenges couldn't stop the 45th Space Wing from shining bright and sweeping the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the second year in a row.
The Air Force-level award is given to just 10 percent of similar units assigned to the command, according to Air Force Personnel Center.

"The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award achievement represents the culmination of your hard work, dedication and professionalism, and is truly an accomplishment everyone can be very proud of," said Brig. Gen. Nina Armagno, 45th SW commander.

In 2013, Team Patrick-Cape supported 16 successful Eastern Range launches, which equates to a total of $8.5 billion in orbiting assets. This made the Eastern Range the busiest range in the U.S. in 2013. Launch highlights included: supporting the fastest ever launch of a TDRS rocket in just 27 days, as well as a Falcon 9 mission which resupplied astronauts in orbit.

The wing also deployed Airmen to 30 locations around the globe supporting humanitarian and combat operations; while at home, 45th SW Airmen won numerous awards to include the Gen. Herres Award, the Space Coast Woman Engineer award, the Lance P. Sijan award, and the Air Force Space Command Chief of Safety award. Team Patrick-Cape Airmen also played a vital role within the community by supporting numerous local military and civic events.

"It was a challenging year," said Staff Sgt. Bryson Haley, 5th Space Launch Squadron. "It is great to see that hard work is rewarded."

Haley is one of thousands of Airmen assigned to the 45th SW between September of 2012 and September of 2013 who contributed to its mission and will be authorized to wear this ribbon. The Patrick AFB Awards and Decorations office is updating personnel records over the next month.