ATLANTIC CITY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.J. -- The 177th Fighter Wing Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS) won the Category 1 Maintenance Effectiveness Award for 2019, recognizing it as the top maintenance unit in the Air National Guard.
The Maintenance Effectiveness Award is presented annually to the unit that has best met the objective of providing safe, serviceable and available equipment for sustained use in peacetime and wartime, and has best managed resources.
“This unit has some of the best and most dedicated aircraft maintainers in the world, and I am truly excited that they get to see that their blood, sweat and tears didn’t go unnoticed,” said Lt. Col. Brian T. Cooper, commander of the 177th AMXS. “This year was one of our most challenging years ever, but also one of the most rewarding.”
During the 2019 fiscal year, the 177th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron generated the most sorties and flying hours that it has in several years. The squadron exceeded their maintenance action goals, accruing positive improvements on every key performance indicator for the year.
“I couldn’t be more proud of this team,” said Cooper.
In 2019, the unit also mobilized on a continental United Sates Air Expeditionary Force tasking in support of North American Aerospace Defense Command's Operation Noble Eagle, enforcing multiple flight restrictions established by the FAA. According to Cooper, the wing also accumulated an amazing aircraft utilization rate during this mobilization.
The Maintenance Effectiveness Award is separated into two levels. Those are the Headquarters Air Force (HAQ) level and the Air Force Reserve Component (AFRC) level. Within each level, there are four categories, which are, respectively, small aircraft maintenance, medium aircraft maintenance, missile/munitions maintenance, and depot. The 177th AMXS competed on the AFRC level, winning in the small aircraft maintenance category.
Cooper said the 177th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron is currently competing for the Maintenance Effectiveness Award at the HAQ level.