Friday, April 1, 2016

TOP STORY >> 48th Airlift Squadron clinches ‘top’ honors

By Senior Airman Stephanie Serrano
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The 48th Airlift Squadron was recognized on March 10 as the Air Education and Training Command Top Flying Training Squadron for 2015.

Reactivated in December 2003 as the first active-duty C-130J Super Hercules formal training unit, the 314th Airlift Wing squadron provided 389 combat airlifters to seven major commands and five international partners, despite instructor pilot manning being as low as 54 percent. Through innovative scheduling methods, the unit recovered from a 14-day training deficit to achieve a 97 percent on-time graduation rate. The unit is responsible for training student pilots and loadmasters.

“Drive, spirit and hard work is what made the 48th what it is today,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William Holyfield, 48th AS commander. “It’s an honor to receive this award, continue our proud heritage and keep the tradition alive.”

Additionally, the 48th AS hosted the largest Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps exposition in Little Rock history and led the installation’s Airman Against Drunk Driving program. 

Key contributing factors to the squadron’s success are pride and professionalism due to the participation and teamwork found throughout the unit.

“We train the world’s best C-130J combat airlifters to fly, fight and win,” Holyfield said. “Although this award was a result of a total team effort, we couldn’t have done it without the 314th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.”

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