732nd AMS one of best safety units in AF

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Gross
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Elmendorf's tenant unit the 732nd Air Mobility Squadron was named the Category IV Air Force Chief of Safety Outstanding Achievement Award for Ground Safety by Air Force safety center officials.

For the second time in four years, roughly 270 Airmen and contractors from the 732nd AMS were recognized for their exceptional performance in providing support to the global air mobility en route structure. The 732nd, better known as the "huskies", is are a key capability of rapid global mobility and part of the acceleration forces that ensures safe, by-the-book operations 24/7 for Department of Defense airlift requirements.

"It's a testament to our Airmen and the culture we've established here of safely by-the-book and on-time," said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Hale, 732nd AMS superintendent. "As arctic warriors, we embrace the mission and make-it-happen in our challenging environment without missing a beat."

During the average day this squadron is responsible for the movement of passengers, cargo and equipment for all units deploying and redeploying to and from Elmendorf. They are also responsible for all transiting heavy-lift aircraft that provide critical equipment, supplies and personnel for Combatant Commander requirements throughout the globe.

Safety is the squadron's first priority and it shows - for five consecutive years there have been zero fails on the squadron explosive safety program and zero reportable off-duty mishaps in the past 560 days.

Chief Hale couldn't put into words how proud he is of his Airmen for their Air Force level accomplishment. He said he was extremely proud of their safety culture and is impressed with how they have made safety their number one priority.

With safety being at the top of the list, this could be why this squadron has also gone five consecutive years with no foreign object and debris mishaps.

"I think we do a very good job here with safety," said Senior Airman Angela Daniels, 732nd AMS aircraft services technician. "We have a very good safety program, so I think it's a well deserved (award)."

Another reason to show that this squadron has a quality safety program is because of how their internal quality insurance programs have decreased mishaps by 60 percent. This was due to the increased awareness anytime mission operations are in process.

This squadron is among the best because on a daily basis the importance of safety is stressed from the commander down to the lowest ranking Airman, said Chief Hale.