Flight Engineer Citations
Technical Sergeant Steven B. Johnson distinguished himself by meritorious service as C-5 Formal Training Instructor Flight Engineer, 618th Air Operations Squadron, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas from XXXXXXX XXXXX to XXXXXX XXXXXX. During this period, Sergeant Johnson's leadership and dedication facilitated the transition of the C-5 Formal Training Unit mission to Air Force Reserve Command. Additionally, as Unit Deployment Office NCOIC, Sergeant Johnson's ability to simplify processes proved vital during the 433d Airlift Wing's mobility inspection when he implemented key measures to ensure all 29 members and their mobility folders processed with zero discrepancies. Moreover, Sergeant Johnson's systematic leadership was key for nine engine running offloads during the Air Education and Training Command Symposium. With little room for error, he quickly and efficiently coordinated the offload of 450 personnel, validating Wing processes. Finally, when a fire rendered one of his engines useless during an operational mission, Sergeant Johnson sprang into action and isolated the fire, ensuring no other aircraft systems were damaged and saving the aircraft and the lives of 23 passengers and crew on board. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Technical Sergeant Johnson reflect great credit upon himself, the 618th Air Operations Squadron, and the United States Air Force.
Master Sergeant Samuel R. Buckingham distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as E-4B Evaluator Flight Engineer and NCOIC, Plans and Programs, 1st Airborne Command and Control Squadron, 55th Wing, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, from XXXXXX XXXXXX to XXXXXX XXXXXX. During this period, Sergeant Buckingham's dynamic leadership and planning enabled the unit to provide critical command and control communications services directly supporting the President, Secretaries of Defense and State, and Joint Chiefs of Staff. Additionally, while acting as NCOIC of E-4B long range scheduling, Sergeant Buckingham optimized the squadron's 1,500 hour flying training program to over 95 percent usage despite numerous aircraft maintenance issues. His efforts coordinating flying hour allocations for both E-4B and mated tanker units ensured fifty five aircrew members remained one hundred percent mission ready. Further, as NCOIC of Flight Engineer training, Sergeant Buckingham managed the four hundred thousand dollar simulator training contract, ensuring vital currency of training for over 30 members. Finally, as Squadron Manuals Control Officer, Sergeant Buckingham was personally responsible for ensuring the accuracy of E-4B flight manuals. His attention to detail led to the submission of 11 changes to correct critical errors in the E-4B Dash One flight manual. The distinguished accomplishments of Master Sergeant Buckingham reflect credit upon himself, the 1st Airborne Command and Control Squadron, and the United States Air Force.