MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Following his Air Mobility Command Outstanding Airman of the year award, Senior Airman Sean Fitzpatrick, an airfield systems journeyman assigned to the 6th Operations Support Squadron at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, was recognized as the Air Force Airfield Systems Airman of the year.
The annual award recognizes Airmen for their performance and significant accomplishments. Fitzpatrick stood out among his peers by taking leadership roles, as well as being involved in projects outside of his official duties.
“It feels good to get that recognition every once in a while, but it’s a job and you do what you are supposed to do,” said the 28-year-old Fitzpatrick. “I came in a little older so I already had some type of work ethic built.”
Airfield systems Airmen maintain various type of equipment used for ground-to-air communications, landing systems, navigational aids, and other backup systems that ensure safe flights.
“I just try to learn the equipment as best as I can and do what I need to do to get the job done,” said Fitzpatrick when asked what set him apart from others.
To be eligible for career-specific awards, personnel must first be nominated by their squadron at the base level, who send the nomination package up to their respective major command. After winning at the MAJCOM level, the applicant is then recommended to compete at the Air Force level.
"Sean is a great Airman with the drive, motivation and initiative the Air Force is constantly looking for,” said Tech. Sgt. Mandy Thorpe, the airfield systems NCO in charge assigned to the 6th Operations Support Squadron. “He comes to work and always gives 100 percent.”
Although the award highlights an individual’s achievements, Fitzpatrick credits his team for his success.
“When I got here, there were 12 people at this work center and right now there are five,” said Fitzpatrick. “It’s definitely been a group effort all around. Not one person can take the whole load – it’s not a one-man show.”
Moving forward, Fitzpatrick aims to continue learning his job, as he prepares for an Air Force specialty code merger he says will challenge him in new and different ways.