ROA names tanker team as best

  • Published
  • 916th Public Affairs Office
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  More hardware is starting to roll into the 916th Air Refueling Wing.

Not the hardware that sits on the ramp, but rather the hardware that sits on shelves.

Yes, that's right, awards!

In late January, the Reserve Officers Association awarded a 77th Air Refueling Squadron aircrew with its Major General Tom E. Marchbanks Jr., Memorial Award for professional flight performance.

The award, which was presented in Washington D.C. on January 31, honors feats or accomplishments displaying unique ability or courage, performed during aerial flight, by one or more aircrew members of the Air Force Reserve during 2011.

Three reservists, Master Sgt. Rich Bonicelli, Lt. Col. Joe Cautero and Lt. Col. Rob Applington were selected to receive the honor for their performance during Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR.

While supporting the operation over Libya on Aug. 27, the aircrew managed to fly three hours without autopilot on while completing nine emergency checklists when their KC-135R Stratotanker lost its entire right hydraulic system.

The crew remained calm under pressure ensuring a textbook approach and landing with the air refueling boom in a stowed, but extended position and with multiple systems inoperative.