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Aircraft Commander Citations
Captain Roscoe S. Cranberry distinguished himself by outstanding achievement while serving as Aircraft Commander, 23d Bomb Squadron, 5th Operations Group, 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. On 11 May 2010, the crew of ICER 22 displayed excellent airmanship and masterful crew resource management skills while safely recovering aircraft 60-0060 with only partial gear extended. After successful air refueling with a KC-135, the crew of ICER 22 noticed a hydraulic light, and low hydraulic pressure from the #4 hydraulic system. The crew accomplished the HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FAILURE checklist and then chose to continue their mission to the range and conduct targeting pod training. After successful mission accomplishment, the crew returned to Minot AFB and initiated landing checks. The Aircraft Commander turned on the Left Body Standby Hydraulic Pump IAW the checklist before the IP put the landing gear handle down. The AC noticed the #1 landing gear still indicated UP. The IP initiated a go-around while the AC and RN read the LANDING GEAR FAILURE TO EXTEND checklist. Utilizing the IR and EW to pull circuit breakers, the crew ran the checklist in its entirety with no change in the #1 gear position. The IP declared an emergency, set up an orbit in order to reduce the fuel load, and initiated the LANDING WITH PARTIAL GEAR checklist. The crew utilized the SOF to confirm the AC's brake energy calculations with only three operable brakes, and the N kept the crew aware of altitude and airspeed during all checklists. Upon reaching the planned fuel weight, the IP flew a flawless partial gear landing, balancing the aircraft on the three remaining main landing gear throughout the landing roll. Due to expert application of Emergency Procedures and Crew Resource Management, ICER 22 safely recovered a 7-person crew and a critical $61.4 million Air Force asset with no damage. The distinctive accomplishments of Captain Cranberry reflect credit upon himself, the 23d Bomb Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Lieutenant Colonel Robert G. Bravo distinguished himself in the performance of outstanding service to the United States as a C-130 Mobility Pilot, 198th Airlift Squadron, 156th Airlift Wing, Muniz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico. During this period, the ceaseless efforts of Lieutenant Colonel Bravo resulted in major contributions to the success of critical Air Force missions. From 2011 to 2013, Lieutenant Colonel Bravo served as an Aircraft Commander in support of Operation CORONET OAK. As a mission pilot with the 35th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, he was the go-to expert for United States Southern Command's combined international military exercises and Mobility Air Force's efforts to disrupt and degrade Transnational Criminal Organizations. As Aircraft Commander he flew 123 priority sorties, 2345 hours, and delivered 456 tons of cargo and 2345 passengers. In addition, he demonstrated model airmanship by flawlessly executing 23 sorties, 456 flying hours, and collecting intelligence that contributed to the elimination of a notorious international terrorist organization. Finally, he served as the 198th Airlift Squadron Flight Safety Officer, resulting in zero critical findings and zero write-ups, contributing to the 156th Operation Group 100% compliance and a 97% rating for the 156th Airlift Wing. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant Colonel Bravo reflect great credit upon himself, the 198th Airlift Squadron, and the United States Air Force.
Captain Donald J. Sutherland distinguished himself by outstanding achievement while serving as Aircraft Commander, 67th Special Operations Squadron, 352nd Special Operations Wing, RAF Mildenhall. On the 27th of November 2018, Captain Sutherland bravely led his crew of STRIX 62 into the battle against beans and training currencies. On that fateful day, during the "STARTING ENGINES" checklist, Captain Sutherland noticed that something was afoot with the number one engine. Upon further investigation, it was brought to the crew's attention that it was the deadliest of problems: ENG 1 A/I VLV FAIL! Captain Sutherland expertly diagnosed and fixed (with a bit of help from MX) said SNAFU. Captain Sutherland and crew then went on to fly an unprecedented 4.0 while also being the last aircraft to land for the night. The distinctive accomplishments of Captain Sutherland reflect credit upon himself, the 67th Special Operations Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Major Stephen A. Stamkos distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as Training Officer and PC-12 Aircraft Commander, 318th Special Operations Squadron, 27th Special Operations Wing, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. During this period, Major Stamkos worked tirelessly to improve, modify, and expand Non-Standard Aviation (NSAV) operations across multiple theaters. In addition, as the most deployed squadron member during 2010, Major Stamkos established a new avenue of combating terrorism and drug trafficking for NSAV by completing the first PC-12 mission to a dirt runway in SOUTHCOM's AOR. Finally, his record of success and experience and dedication to the mission made him the hand picked selection to serve as Combined Joint Special Operations Air Component Operations Officer, providing key command and control functions for CENTCOM assets. The distinctive accomplishments of Major Stamkos reflect credit upon himself, the 318th Special Operations Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Captain Louis D. Alvarado distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as Readiness Flight Commander and KC-135R Aircraft Commander, 349th Air Refueling Squadron, 22d Air Refueling Wing, McConnell AFB, Kansas. As the Squadron's Aircraft Commander of the Year, Captain Alvarado commanded 14 combat missions in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector. During one combat sortie, Captain Alvarado recovered a KC-135R aircraft with an electrical fire on the flight deck, saving a $52 million asset off the coast of Libya. Additionally, his commitment to excellence was paramount in coordinating a coalition aircraft display for the Japanese Self Defense Force's Chief of Staff. Moreover, he liaised with the U.S. Secret Service in preparation for the 22d Air Refueling Wing Presidential visit which was hailed by the Presidential Advance Agent Team as the best support in five years. Finally, Captain Alvarado's contributions were pivotal in winning the General Carl A. Spaatz Trophy for the 349th Air Refueling Squadron. The distinctive accomplishments of Captain Alvarado reflect great credit upon himself, the 349th Air Refueling Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Major Jacob C. Summers distinguished himself in the performance of outstanding service to the United States as C-17A Instructor Aircraft Commander and Chief, Commander's Action Group, 62d Airlift Wing, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. During this period, Major Summers demonstrated outstanding leadership while coordinating tasks across the Department of Defense's largest Joint base. His meticulous attention to detail set the standard of quality for award packages and Wing commander briefings. Additionally, Major Summers authored a weekly commentary, delivering the commander's guidance, thoughts, and direction to 3,000 personnel. A seasoned mobility pilot, Major Summers commanded combat missions in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN. Furthermore, he was the Wing's Airlift/ Tanker Association President, coordinating the national chapter's annual luncheon during Air Mobility Command's RODEO 2011, and ensured seamless airlift for the wing’s participation in the 2011 annual convention. Finally, Major Summers was the only Air Mobility Command pilot, hand-picked by the commander of Air Mobility Command, to speak at the Department of Defense's first-ever Technology, Entertainment, and Design event held at Scott Air Force Base. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major Summers reflect great credit upon himself, the 62d Airlift Wing, and the United States Air Force.
Captain Albert M. Insano distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as KC-10A Aircraft Commander and Executive Officer, 32d Air Refueling Squadron, 305th Operations Group, 305th Air Mobility Wing, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. During this period, Captain Insano demonstrated oustanding airmanship when he flawlessly led a four aircraft formation in support of multiple high value assets. His stellar leadership was vital to the success of exercise GLOBAL THUNDER and reinforced critical national objectives. Additionally, his superior flying skills shined during the 2011 Air Mobility Command Aircrew Standardization and Evaluation Visit when his maturity and skill, under extremely demanding conditions, were lauded as Excellent by his evaluator. These qualities also earned him top honors as a Distinguished Graduate from both the KC-10A Pilot Initial Qualification and Aircraft Commander Courses. Furthermore, as acting Chief Executive Officer, he reviewed 70 performance reports, 22 awards, and completed over 100 critical taskings. Finally, Captain Insano's acheivements as a superior officer were recognized when he was hand-picked by the 305th Air Mobility Wing Vice Commander to support the joint Congressional, Department of Defense, and State Department staff visit. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Captain Insano reflect credit upon himself, the 32d Air Refueling Squadron and the United States Air Force.