Bulldogs Earn Third Air Force Association Award

  • Published
  • By Maj. Audra Flanagan
  • 148th Fighter Wing
Duluth, Minn. --  Today, a group of Bulldogs from the 148th Fighter Wing accepted the Air Force Association's 2012 Outstanding Air National Guard Flying Unit Award at the 2012 Air and Space Conference in National Harbor, MD.
 
Airman First Class Peter Erdahl, the newest Airman representing the 148th, was selected to receive the award. "I was speechless" said Erdahl, "I wasn't expecting to receive the award for the Wing."  Erdahl also stated he learned a great deal about many Air Force units and their missions around the world while at the Air and Space Conference.

148th Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Mark Rukavina said "it was an awesome experience to be among so many great units and personnel who were also receiving recognition."

The 148th was selected for the Outstanding Air National Guard Flying Unit Award for their accomplishments in 2011. This award is presented to the overall best Air National Guard Flying Unit.

In 2011, the 148th completed a major aircraft conversion to the Block 50 F-16, flew 2047 accident-free sorties, while simultaneously supporting all Aerospace Control Alert (ACA) missions, and executing three intense training deployments. The Bulldogs deployed 73 members to 12 countries in support of contingency operations, supported four State Active Duty missions for fires and floods, and was the first Air Force unit (guard, reserve or active duty) to receive OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program Star Status re-certification. In June the 148th earned a "NORAD Mission Ready" rating after a no-notice Alert Force Evaluation (AFE), and successfully accomplished an Air Traffic System Evaluation (ATSE) in August which assessed air traffic systems that support flying operations at the 148th. The 148th maintained a 91.87% retention rate and a 106% strength rate during this period of time. The 148th was previously selected for this award in 2006 and 2009.

The Air Force Association (AFA) is a non-profit, independent, professional military and aerospace education association promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the nation. More information on the AFA can be found at www.afa.org.