Wings win safety awards

The 86th Airlift Wing and 435th Air Base Wing recently won U.S. Air Forces in Europe safety awards. The 86th AW won the USAFE Flight Safety Achievement Award and the 435th ABW won the USAFE Safety Special Achievement Award for promoting and achieving safety standards throughout all levels of the wings’ operations.

According to the 86th AW safety office, the wing’s priority on safety was demonstrated through 15,000 annual flight hours with 29,000 airfield movements in fiscal year 2006.

“The wing’s focus on safety while flying five different airframes with a wide range of customers from young Airmen to combatant commanders is remarkable,” said Brig. Gen. Rich Johnston, KMC and 86th AW commander. “I am incredibly proud of the entire 86th Airlift Wing team for all they do both on the ground and in the air to reduce flight and ground mishaps.”

Beyond flying, the safety award for the 86th AW recognized superior ground programs including the Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard program which reduced wildlife strikes by 26 percent. Also the $420 million Rhein-Main Transition Plan runway realignment was completed with no airfield construction mishaps.

According to the 435th ABW safety office, the wing created an extensive mishap analysis program, revamped the way spot inspections are carried out and spearheaded a joint effort to increase safety for personnel ages 26 and under.

“This award represents an incredible effort by one of the busiest safety offices in USAFE,” said Col. Kurt Lohide, 435th ABW commander. “Thanks to the tireless focus on identifying programs, creating solutions and increasing awareness, our people and our facilities are safer than they’ve ever been.”

The 435th ABW was also recognized for coordinating a new environmental base data program, helping with joint wing exercises and conducting several risk analyses to help ensure motorist safety.

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