Fightin' Fifty Fifth wins 2009 Omaha Trophy

  • Published
  • By Debbie Aragon
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  During a special ceremony in the Bennie Davis Maintenance Facility July 7, the 55th Wing was awarded the 2009 Omaha Trophy for Strategic Aircraft Operations.

In front of more than 300 wing members, 55th WG Commander Brig. Gen. John N.T. Shanahan accepted the trophy from David Brown and Mark Theisen, members of the Strategic Command Consultation Committee and award presentation committee, on behalf of all Fightin' Fifty Fifth members

The Omaha Trophy is awarded annually to four military units demonstrating the highest performance standards in U.S. Strategic Command mission areas, according to the command. In addition to strategic aircraft operations, units in the areas of global operations, intercontinental ballistic missiles and submarine ballistic missiles are also recognized.

The trophy, first awarded in 1971, is presented by the Strategic Command Consultation Committee, a civilian organization that supports the men and women of Offutt and whose lineage dates back to Strategic Air Command and Gen. Curtis E. LeMay.

It's a long standing honor for members of the SCC to award the Omaha trophy each year to recognize excellence demonstrated by strategic units, said Mr. Brown.

"This year, we're pleased to award the Omaha Trophy to the men and women of the 55th WG who live, work and raise their families in our community. Your dedication to mission and service to your nation, and also our community, is greatly valued," he said.

Mr. Brown noted that the 55th was the most tasked wing in the Air Force in 2009.

"You had your busiest year with a collection rate of over 98 percent," he said. "You were vital to the U.S. Central Command mission, flying over 800 combat missions, providing real time intelligence to the war fighter. Your sacrifice, outstanding performance and spirit are being recognized today ... the finest, the best strategic aircraft operations unit."

Mr. Brown likened the 55th WG winning the Omaha trophy to the most valuable player on the recently crowned College World Series champion South Carolina Gamecocks.

"You are on a superior national defense team as well as being valued citizens of the Heartland," Mr. Brown said. "This year, you stood out on your team. You're the batter who stepped up to the plate with bases loaded and hit that grand slam. You're the best. You demonstrated the highest performance standards in strategic aircraft operations ... you are one of STRATCOM's most outstanding players."

"As I reviewed the nomination package for the 55th Wing, I couldn't agree more with the committee in selecting (the 55th WG) for this award," said Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, commander of USSTRATCOM.

The 55th is in the business of supporting combatant commanders all over the world, General Chilton said, and is one of the most deployed organizations in the Air Force.

"For STRATCOM, you do some pretty significant things," the general said, "All of you who deploy or support Titan operations, we appreciate that great work ... the work you do in support of our national nuclear command and control, and our national command and control is absolutely critical to USSTRATCOM ... the reconnaissance that you do in support of the regional combatant commanders goes right into our world plans at U.S. Strategic Command.

"No matter where you're deployed or what you're collecting, we're paying attention," he added. "There are just so many things that you do day in and day out to support USSTRATCOM that we certainly consider you an integral part of our team."

"It's a thrill and an honor to accept this award on behalf of the entire Fightin' Fifty Fifth," said General Shanahan. "It's about the entire wing, not any one individual, not any one organization.

"The value of strategic deterrence has always been there but I think this is the first time that under our current name we have received this trophy and I'm truly delighted that the SCC and General Chilton have recognized the value of this wing," General Shanahan said.

Winners in the other 2009 Omaha Trophy categories are:

Global Operations Trophy: 67th Network Warfare Wing, Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas

Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Trophy: 341st Space Wing, Malmstrom AFB, Mont.

Submarine Ballistic Missile Trophy: USS Kentucky, Naval Submarine Base, Bangor, Wash.