MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Everyday hardworking contracting teams move the mission forward by dispersing government funds, procuring equipment and ensuring compliance with contracted work.
Over the past three years, the 6th Contracting Squadron, at MacDill Air Force Base has, set the benchmark for contracting operations throughout the 10 Air Mobility Command installations.
In recognition of their mission-focused business leadership in support of AMC and the Air Force operational acquisition enterprise, the 6th CONS received five individual awards, an AbilityOne team award and for the third time in four years, AMC’s Outstanding Operational Unit Award.
The 6th CONS awards for 2019 included the following:
- Outstanding Field Grade Officer: Lt. Col. Brian Sheehan
- Outstanding Company Grade Officer: Capt. Courtney Cronin
- Superintendent Award: Senior Master Sgt. Joshua Malyemezian
- Outstanding Civilian in Operational Contracting (Supervisory): Mr. Douglas Willard
- Outstanding Operational Contracting Civilian in Training: Mrs. Casey Morrison
- AbilityOne (Team)
- Outstanding Operational Contracting Unit of the Year (Large category)
Throughout their run of excellence, the 6th CONS has maintained an all-in, mission first mentality.
“With the mission that we have here and supporting the two combatant commands, it is easy for everyone in our squadron to buy in,” said Douglas Willard, the 6th CONS performance management flight chief. “Everyone fully understands that if we don’t perform our jobs at an extremely a high level, there can be a big impact on operations here at MacDill and downrange as well.”
Willard stated that 6th CONS leadership motivates their Airmen and civilian staff through empowerment and trust.
“We try to ensure that our team knows that they have the backing and support that they need,” said Willard. “And we trust them to get the job done.”
Although the 6th CONS took home five individual awards, each of the award winners credited the efforts of their respective team for the individual successes.
“Contracting is a team effort,” said Casey Morrison, a 6th CONS contract specialist. “Our civilian staff works right alongside the Airmen in our shop, and this helps us to be innovative and more effectively solve problems.”
The 6th CONS supports the 6th Air Refueling Wing, U.S. Special Operations Command, U.S. Central Command, Joint Communications Support Element, and dozens of other MacDill AFB mission partners. Even with such a tall order, the 6th CONS consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that Team MacDill is combat ready and maintains worldwide sustainability.
Editor's note: Following publication of this article the 6th CONS won the best large contracting squadron in the Air Force. Also, Senior Master Sgt. Josh Malyemezian won the top award for Air Force Superintendents.