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Aircrew Flight Equipment Technician Citations
Staff Sergeant Anthony Crago distinguished himself by meritorious service while assigned as Aircrew Flight Equipment Technician, 89th Operations Support Squadron, 89th Airlift Wing, Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. In this capacity, the professional skill, leadership, and ceaseless efforts of Sergeant Crago contributed to the success of over 1500 Special Air Missions resulting in 11,000 mishap-free flying hours with zero Aircrew Flight Equipment delays. In addition, he enhanced survival capabilities by replacing 166 lithium batteries two months ahead of schedule during a critical PRC-90 radio Time Change Technical Order (TCTO), effectively ensuring aircrew protection was met downrange by supporting four C-130 aircraft. Moreover, his contributions enabled the evacuation of 274 patients and the delivery of over 25,000 troops and 3,000 tons of cargo in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Finally, his strict oversight of the hazardous materials program earned an Excellent rating during the 89th Airlift Wing hazardous material inspection. The distinctive accomplishments of Staff Sergeant Crago reflect credit upon himself, the 89th Operations Support Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Staff Sergeant Roger Schaetzel distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as Aircrew Flight Equipment Craftsman, 86th Operations Support Squadron, 86th Operations Group, 86th Airlift Wing, Ramstein Air Base Germany. During this period, Sergeant Schaetzel served as the Flightline section Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge, conducting 60 critical point inspections on life saving equipment, increasing aircrew survivability and contributing to the flight winning the United States Air Forces in Europe Large Aircrew Flight Equipment Program of the Year. Additionally, as the Aircrew Flight Equipment Quality Assurance Superintendent, he established a Quality Assurance program database, eliminating duplicate efforts and boosted efficiency by over fifty percent. Moreover, he efficiently supported Off Station Training for the 37th Airlift Squadron, resulting in over 200 jumpers being qualified, which was recognized as an outstanding mission success. Finally he installed an innovative digital Technical Order program to replace paper Technical Orders increasing workcenter productivity. The distinctive accomplishments of Staff Sergeant Schaetzel reflect credit upon himself, the 86th Operations Support Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Staff Sergeant Drew Hunter distinguished himself by outstanding achievement while serving as an Aircrew Flight Equipment technician, 347th Operations Support Squadron (OSS), 347th Rescue Group, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. During this period, Sergeant Hunter deployed to Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan and served as Senior Airman in charge of the Aircrew Flight Equipment section. His supervision resulted in the flawless encrypted programming of 45 survival radios, ensuring mission success for the CSAR squadron and Afghan Presidential Candidate Special Ops team. In addition, he maintained, inspected, and repaired a shifting inventory of Night Vision Goggles, sustaining zero operational delays and enhancing night-time operations. Moreover, he served as the deployed account custodian responsible for over 600,000 dollars in critical Aircrew Flight Equipment and for maintaining Flight Equipment for 30 aircrews, six special operation teams, and six HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. Finally, he served as a vital team member in the construction of 50 tents, seven latrines, and seven shower shave units, in a record 60 hours. The distinctive accomplishments of Staff Sergeant Hunter reflect great credit upon himself, the 347th Operations Support Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Lieutenant Steve C. Watson distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as Aircrew Flight Equipment Casual Lieutenant, 479th Operations Support Squadron, 479th Flying Training Wing, Pensacola NAS, Florida. During this period, Lieutenant Watson's outstanding organizational skills, drive, and leadership aided in the success of the Combat Systems Operator's Aircrew Flight Equipment program. He utilized his architectural and self-help background on several flight self improvement projects, allowing Aircrew Flight Equipment personnel to focus on daily and immediate mission requirements. After analyzing operations, he revised and reconfigured 276 drawers and shelves, ensuring accurate inventory of build up, replacement components, and serviceable equipment, resulting in an innovative method of tracking equipment items and the ability to quickly outfit customers in a timely manner. Finally, he maintained positive control of and safely transported, organized, and prepared for use, a variety of radio equipment testing units, survival radios, and oxygen connectors valued at more than two hundred thousand dollars. The distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant Watson reflect credit upon himself, the 479th Operations Support Squadron and the United States Air Force.