2 MXG receives Daedalian Award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samuel O'Brien
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La - --  The 2nd Maintenance Group has been selected as the Air Force Global Strike Command winner of the 2011 Clements McMullen Memorial Daedalian Weapon System Maintenance Trophy.

The award comes on the heels of the 2 MXG winning the Ellis Giant Sword for best overall bomber maintenance at the 2011 Global Strike Challenge.

"We were the best during the Global Strike Challenge," said Col. Stephen Petters, 2nd Maintenance Group commander. "The daedaelian says we're the best at what we do year round. They come in two different time-frames but are the same basic award for excellence."

The award recognizes more than 1,900 members of the 2 MXG, as opposed to the small competition teams that competed in the Global Strike Challenge.

Now that they've been declared the best maintainers in Global Strike Command, 2 MXG will be judged against other Air Force Major Commands' nominees to determine the best maintenance group in the Air Force. The winner will go on to compete against the other branches, as the daedalian is one of few awards that cross services.

For the moment, the Airmen of the Mighty Deuce are still soaking in the glory of their Global Strike win.

"There's a little bit of a swagger," said Petters. "But they still know they have to go back to work the next day. You can win the Superbowl and be the champ and then relax. When we win we know we have more missions to generate the next day."

The trophy gives Airmen more than pride, it also helps to show their accomplishments.

"Our Airmen work hard and now their OPRs, EPRs and awards packages can literally say they are the best at what they do," said Petters. "That's a big boost for all of them."

Master Sgt. John Henderson, 96th Aircraft Maintenance Unit flight chief, gets a close up view of their work every day. He says 2 MXG Airmen have to contend with many different obstacles.

"It's a testament to the quality and the amount of work we do," said Henderson. "Rain, cold, heat; we get the job done, no matter what. Taking care of a 60-year-old aircraft is a daily
challenge."

The 2 MXG excelled in mission accomplishments, innovative management, use of resources and quality of life -- the four major areas judged in the competition.

"Everyone knows we do a lot of good work out here," said Henderson. "It's good to be recognized."