137 ARW Command Post wins Air National Guard Small Command Post of the Year

by Senior Airman Justin Creech
137th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

10/21/2015 - WILL ROGERS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Okla. -- The 137th Air Refueling Wing command post was selected as the Air National Guard Small Command Post of the Year for the period of Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014.

The 137 CP received the award for excellence in mission accomplishment and impact, performance and recognition of command post controllers, and training recognition.

"We are very excited to be recognized at the Air National Guard level," said Master Sgt. Barbara Baldwin, 137 CP superintendent. "Everyone worked extremely hard last year and I'm proud of what we were able to accomplish."

In 2014, the 137 CP continued to perform command and control operations as part of a 6-year partnership with the 507th Air Refueling Wing Command Post at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, while simultaneously implementing full-time operations here.

Also in 2014, the 137 CP also provided personnel to augment the 507 CP's capabilities and capacity in support of a U.S. Strategic Command exercise.

"I chose to postpone our annual tour with the wing to provide shift coverage to the 507 CP so all of their personnel were able to participate in the exercise," said Baldwin. "The training they received will be instrumental to their success in future exercises. Despite our impending departure, I felt it was important to continue to support them however possible."

They also spearheaded wing-wide preparation for the conversion to a special operations mission by proactively identifying, assessing, and correcting potential deficiencies in communication processes and reporting procedures.

Participation in several activities on base and in the community also contributed to receiving this award. CP controllers participated in unit and community morale events, including several near Christmas, and also helped design a memorial for fallen WRANGB Airmen.

"I think it's very important to be involved in both unit and community activities," said Baldwin. "It helps build relationships and opens communication with agencies and individuals we might not otherwise be exposed to."

Col. Devin R. Wooden, 137 ARW commander, is thrilled with the example 137 CP has set since returning to WRANGB and the ANG's recognition of their efforts.

"Our command post airmen displayed great focus, persistence and perseverance through uncertain times," said Wooden. "The way they finished strong at the close of our air refueling mission and have embraced their new mission in AFSOC serves as an example to all of us. I can think of no finer Airmen to represent the Air National Guard as Small Command Post of the Year for 2014."