Proud Pelicans win fuel efficiency award for 2nd straight year

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Zachary Cacicia
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The 436th Airlift Wing was named Air Mobility Command’s 2016 C-5 wing of the year for Aviation Fuel Efficiency for the second consecutive year.

This program recognizes units’ who have made significant contributions to Mobility Air Force aviation fuel efficiency efforts through their members’ behaviors, actions and innovations. This achievement is awarded each year by AMC’s Fuel Efficiency Office to the wings with the highest fuel efficacy rating for their respective airframes.

The wing’s fleet of 18 C-5 airlifters is operated by 9th Airlift Squadron, the Proud Pelicans.

“The 9th Airlift Squadron's continuous efforts in the meticulous tracking of fuel consumption, and their effective use of Mission Index Flying, has garnered them winning this AMC-level award 2 years in a row,” said Col. Ethan Griffin, 436th AW commander. “Great job, Pelicans; along with the ops, maintenance and support teams that keep them flying high. Keep up the great work.”

At any given time, the Airmen of the 9th AS can be found pushing the rapid global mobility mission around the world. The C-5, an outsized cargo transport, has the capacity to carry 36 standard pallets and 81 troops simultaneously, making it not only unique in the sheer amount it can carry, but also vital to the Air Force’s mission as a whole.

“This is great to be recognized for a second year in a row,” said Lt. Col. Charles Throckmorton, 9th AS commander. “It means that our aircrews are taking fuel efficiency seriously. The Pelicans are taking the command’s initiatives to heart by doing the best they can with executing the mission, balancing fuel efficiency and making everything happen.”

The program encourages commanders to promote an environment of innovation and creativity to enhance MAF fuel efficiency through fuel use reductions or more efficient operations and focuses attention on the most deserving MAF units across the enterprise.