Tampa Bay community leaders take two-day civic trip to Nellis AFB

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Josh Eidson, boom operator with the 91st Air Refueling Squadron, shows a Tampa Bay community leader the aerial refueling capability of the KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft during a civic leader trip to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., April 14, 2017. Twenty-two community leaders spent two days at Nellis AFB taking a behind-the-scenes look into the future of warfare and how the KC-135 will play a key role in mobility air forces for years to come. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brad N. Tipton)

MacDill leadership visits Alabama’s 99th ARS

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jacqueline D’urso, boom operator with the 91st Air Refueling Squadron, prepares to make contact with a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during a refuel mission over the Southeast region of the United States April 4, 2017. In the first quarter, the 91st ARS flew 170 sorties in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, which included initial strikes during the Mosul offensive.

91st ARS awarded Spaatz Trophy; first in three decades

Published May 8, 2017
By Airman 1st Class Ashley Perdue
6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --

The 91st Air Refueling Squadron at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, was awarded the Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Trophy for distinguishing itself through exceptionally meritorious service from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2016.

The Air Force recently recognized the 91st ARS as the most outstanding air refueling squadron in the service.

This is the second time the 91st ARS has been awarded the Spaatz Trophy; the first occurring nearly 30 years ago.

The criteria for winning the award focuses on seven major areas; the mission, aircrew upgrading and training, safety record, aircrew enhancement and retention, outstanding individual and crew accomplishments, military and civilian education, and base and community relations.

“The achievements of our members over the past year have contributed to the success of the squadron and have made positive impacts that have been felt MAJCOM and Air Force wide,” said Lt. Col. Craig Lauderdale, commander of the 91st ARS.

Throughout 2016, the 91st ARS operated out of MacDill and two additional geographically separated locations during a runway renovation, and refueled 66 percent of presidential overwatch combat air patrols. The squadron also supported the largest Air Tasking Order in 10 years by flying more than 5,400 combat sorties, providing fuel to 40,000 receiver aircraft and supporting more than 5,000 air strikes.

Additionally, the unit participated in four RED FLAG exercises, eight Nuclear Readiness Exercises and Inspections, five high-profile, off-station exercises and three global shows of force. Through all of that, the 91st had zero preventable flight mishaps.

“Knowing the squadron’s hard work is getting recognized at the Air Force level goes a long way in the drive, determination and morale of our members,” said Lauderdale. “The award win is recent, but we expect it to have a positive impact on the team in the long run.”