Whiteman weather officer wins Air Force-level award

by Airman 1st Class Jazmin Smith
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

6/30/2015 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- A flight commander with the 509th Operations Support Squadron was recently named the 2014 Air Force Weather Field Grade Officer of the Year.

With this award, Maj. Robert Davenport was recognized as the most outstanding individual in conducting any aspect of weather operations or staff weather duties.

"It doesn't matter what your rank is, good, old-fashioned hard work will pay off in the end, whether with mission accomplishment or an award," Master Sgt. Leslie Orr, 509th OSS superintendent, said. "Davenport is one of the smartest, hardest working, dedicated and compassionate leaders that I have ever had the opportunity to work with. This award is just a testament to that!"

As flight commander, Davenport is responsible for all the equipment, the yearly budget and all the administrative tasks for a flight of 13 Airmen and one civilian.

"The team's performance is the real reason we were highly successful last year," Davenport said in reference to his team being named AFGSC Weather Flight of the Year for 2014. "Their dedication to working together, developing improved processes, and challenging each other to produce better, more accurate mission forecasts drove our success."

All weather units compete at the major command level, with the winners continuing on to compete at the Air Force level. Nominees are then rated on accomplishments related to the weather and space weather operations. In the Air Force Weather Field Grade Officer of the Year category, Davenport distinguished himself in his career field with numerous accomplishments he credits to team effort.

"I'm humbled and honored to have a team where every individual strives for excellence day in and day out," Davenport said. "It always is and always will be a team effort, and it's their hard work and success that should really be recognized."

Davenport led total force integration weather operations for three wings and one aviation battalion while overseeing the production of 16,000 weather reports and supporting 12,000 flight hours for close air support and helicopter operations.

Furthermore, he managed a U.S. Pacific Command forward operating location while coordinating requirements for B-2 Spirit and F-22 Raptor integration.

Additionally, Davenport drove tornado national disaster readiness exercise injects for three locations. He also directed forecast program updates and sculpted two air expeditionary group deployments.

"This recognition of his achievement continues to highlight the notion that hard work and honest pride in service to one's country not only allows one to accomplish great things, but also allows that individual to serve as an inspiration to those who have their sights set high as well," 1st Lt. William Graff, 509th OSS acting flight commander, said.