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8th Fighter Wing receives Safety award

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Araceli Alarcon
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The 8th Fighter wing safety office was awarded the Air Force Colombian Trophy and Ground Safety Plaque here March 11.

The Colombian Trophy recognizes military flight safety achievements for fighter, attack, bomber and reconnaissance units below the numbered Air Force level whose primary mission is operational, said Lt. Col. Steve Kennel, 8th Fighter Wing Safety commander.

Some of the programs that helped win the Colombian Trophy was the impeccable safety record of 10,933 flying hours and 8,377 sorties in fiscal year 2007 with zero Class A or B safety mishaps. Class A mishaps classify as reportable damage of one million dollars or more, a fatality or permanent disability of individuals or the destruction of a U.S. Air Force aircraft. Class B mishaps classify as reportable damage of 200,000 dollars or more, but less than one million dollars, individuals facing a permanent partial disability or inpatient hospitalization of three or more individuals.

Colonel Kennel said these actions represent the collective efforts of all personnel assigned to the Wolf Pack.

"All of Kunsan's Airmen played a role in this award," he said "Disciplined execution of the mission from the fighter pilots who fly their machines to the maintainers who prepare them through the ranks."

The Ground Safety Plague recognizes outstanding achievement in or contributing to ground safety. Also specific unit mishap prevention programs, events, local partnerships and other activities accomplished during the award year were reviewed.

Ground Safety managed Air Force Occupational and Health programs of 2,800 personnel with almost 100 percent annual turnover rate and more than 500 host nation civilian employees. The efforts resulted in a 32 percent reduction in reportable mishap rates over FY06 as well as a 23 percent reduction in non-reportable mishaps rates with zero Class A or B mishaps.

"The Ground Safety Plaque is indicative of a safety culture in the Wolf Pack where we look out for each other," said Colonel Kennel "Because every member of the Wolf Pack is critical to our mission."

Colonel CQ "Wolf" Brown, 8th Fighter Wing commander agreed that the safety award was the result of a total team effort and encouraged the Wolf Pack to continue to apply safety practices at their work centers.

"This Colombian Trophy is just another representation of the dedication and hard work the men and women of the Wolf Pack bring to the mission here everyday," he said. "I encourage everyone to keep up the good work and continue to put safety first in executing the mission because we can't afford losses associated with mishaps."