OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The Air Force recently recognized Scott Carlson as the 2021 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Category II Civilian of the Year. Carlson, a program analyst for the 55th Wing Command Post, has now won in this category three years running.
“Back-to-back wins at the Air Force level are very rare,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Chou, who was the 55th Wing Command and Control operations superintendent at the time. “Mr. Carlson was pivotal to the 55th Wing Command Post being selected as the U.S. Air Force Large Nuclear Command and Control Operations Unit of the Year in 2020 and 2021.”
Carlson trained command post personnel through two Johns Hopkins assessments supporting national level nuclear command and control communication evaluations, culminating in his unit earning Joint Staff “Outstanding” ratings.
“I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award than Scott,” said Master Sgt. Paul Ewing, 334th Training Squadron curriculum development manager. “He is the heart and soul of the 55th Wing Command Post. He embodies excellence in the nuclear enterprise, is consistently improving the mission, and he is truly committed to developing the Airmen.”
Carlson led two NC3 subject matter experts from Air Combat Command to develop a 90% solution for the Air Force five years ahead of schedule by advancing the delivery of the Global Aircrew Strategic Network Terminal.
He also led his shift as they provided the Chief of Staff of the Air Force updates on capabilities of the Department of Defense’s sole nuclear sampling aircraft, ultimately ratifying the Nuclear Ban Treaty.
“I just want to make the system work for the controllers at the command post,” said Carlson. “It’s humbling to be recognized among mentors and colleagues.”
Carlson is a certified senior emergency actions controller, and currently the command post representative on the architectural and engineering team managing the construction of two new command and control facilities at Offutt AFB. Those facilities are scheduled to be operational in September.
Ewing added, “On behalf of the command post and all Airmen who have crossed Scott’s path, there is no doubt this was earned through hard work and well deserved.”