Second Bomb Wing safety office submits record number of nominees

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Allison M. Boehm
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
The 2nd Bomb Wing safety office recently submitted a record number of Air Force and Air Force Global Strike Command annual safety awards.

A total of eight squadron level or below organizations and 20 personnel consisting of individual and team awards were submitted in 21 different categories.

According to Mr. Rick Knowles, 2 BW deputy chief of wing safety, recognition for these awards tells a story in themselves.

Each award has different selection criteria and recognizes both individuals and organizations for superior performance for outstanding safety acts and achievements.

Competition across the Air Force is very close as each package is graded against other nominees from like units at other bases. They compete at the Numbered Air Force level, and then they move on to the Major Command and then compete at the Air Force level.

The Air Force Safety Awards Program was developed to recognize outstanding safety acts and achievements and Mr. Knowles added, the members of the 2 BW had an outstanding year.

"We have outstanding units and personnel who made tremendous strides in mishap prevention and safety that deserve recognition," said Lt. Col. John Edwards, 2 BW chief of safety. "Our awards submissions spanned the entire wing, from mission support and maintenance squadrons to the flying squadrons. This illustrates a total wing effort in accomplishing our mission, and we're proud to be a part of it."

However, even with such outstanding units, submitting a record number of nominees was no easy feat. Numerous hours were required by commanders and supervisors to write and submit award packages. Their dedication ensured their units and personnel were properly recognized for their achievements, despite Barksdale's busy operations tempo.

"Being the nominee from the Air Force's largest bomb wing is a significant achievement and honor reflecting hard work and a dedication to safety," said Colonel Edwards. "Deuce warriors worked tirelessly this past year to ensure the 2 BW has the combat capability needed to support Eighth Air Force and AFGSC in both nuclear deterrence and global strike missions."

Congratulations to all 2 BW nominees and best of luck at the MAJCOM and Air Force level.