SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The 916th Maintenance Group on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, received three Air Force Reserve Command maintenance awards, May 21, for professionalism and outstanding achievement.
The AFRC MXG Quality Assurance Award was presented to the 916th MXG/MXQ for outstanding achievement in all aspects of their duties. The AFRC Maintenance Section of the year was awarded to 916th AMXS/MXA for demonstrating excellence in in all aspects of their duties. The AFRC Outstanding Plans, Scheduling, and Documentation (PS&D) award was given to the 916th MXG/MXOS for professional and outstanding achievement.
“It means a lot to my section,” said Senior Master Sgt. Anthony Diggs, 916th MXG Quality Assurance superintendent. “I have six inspectors in my shop and we work very hard. This award showed the hard work and dedication we have here in our shop to ensure our members on the flightline are performing safe maintenance practices, per our AFIs & technical orders, to accomplish the mission.”
Like any well-oiled machine, all parts must work in unison for optimum performance, even when the aircraft are slowly disappearing from the ramp, which lead to the additional MXG unit recognition.
“I know a big part of winning was the divestment of the 135 (KC-135 Stratotanker),” said Tech Sgt. Ilona Bowden, 916th MXG PS&D production controller. “There was a lot of work that the scheduling office put into the divestment, no errors and while preparing to receive the 46 (KC-46 Pegasus); Our functional told us that he had never really had another unit execute a divestment like that, as smooth & flawless as we did.”
The third award recipients also rose above the pressure to distinguish itself on the AFRC level.
“It was a relentless effort crossing T’s & dotting I’s, along with constant follow up,” said Senior Master Sgt. Brian Kinney 916th AMXS production superintendent. “With all of that we still performed our daily flying missions and was recognized as the number one flying unit in the Air Force Reserve Command, all while divesting an aircraft. Those actions on their own speaks for themselves.”
Chief Master Sgt. John S. Mote, 916th MXG Superintendent couldn’t be more proud of the achievements his Airmen have been gathering.
“These three AFRC level awards, which were won after receiving the Fourth Air Force 2019 General James K. Clouse Maintenance Excellence Trophy, is true validation of the amazing talent we have within our organization,” said Mote. “The collective body of all our Airmen, makes us the best.”
His words were echoed by Col. Amanda M. Sheets, 916th MXG commander.
“These awards demonstrates how unity and working towards a common goal will always bring success,” said Sheets. “Having three of our sections win AFRC awards is confirmation of the amazing accomplishments from our outstanding Airman. We have so many talented individuals and it never ceases to amaze me the ideas and dedication that I see every day.