News

3rd Airlift Squadron declared first in command

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Hubby
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The 3rd Airlift Squadron was awarded the prestigious General Joseph Smith Trophy for 2009 recognizing them as the best airlift squadron in Air Mobility Command.

The 3rd AS distinguished itself through superior service and performance in 2009. The squadron safely completed 5,032 sorties, moved 155,203 passengers and delivered more than 161 million pounds of cargo while deploying ten months ahead of schedule.

"Last year was a banner year for us," said Lt. Col. Kevin Gordon, 3rd AS commander. "We deployed 10 months earlier than expected, we did so with no safety mishaps, we scored an excellent on our Unit Compliance Inspection and we scored excellently on our aircrew standards and evaluation assessment. Our Airmen worked really hard last year, consistently, and it shows."

During 2009, the 3rd AS provided support for the Vice President of the United States Joe Biden, during his trip to Iraq and was squadron of choice for United Service Organization tours for downrange troops. It also provided many humanitarian relief flights and medical airlift.

"It's been a great honor to receive this award," said Capt. Matthew Dudderar, 3rd AS Chief Executive officer and a C-17 Aircraft commander. "To be part of a squadron to achieve this award is really gratifying. We take pride in our missions, and this reward reflects that."

The 3rd AS was a C-5 Galaxy based squadron until 2007, when Dover received its C-17 Globemaster III's and the 3rd AS was chosen to transfer to the new aircraft.

"We have come together into this high performance team," said Colonel Gordon. "But we can't take all the credit, the 3rd AS could not have won this award without the help of the maintenance squadrons, the aerial port, operation support squadron and our sister squadron, the 9th Airlift Squadron. All of these together help make the 3rd AS successful. We are all a part of Team Dover and are proud to be a part of that and bring recognition to this great base."