97th AMW Command Post tops Air Force

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Aldric Borders
  • 97th AMW Public Affairs
ALTUS AFB --  The 97th Air Mobility Wing Command Post recently won the Air Force Large Unit Command Post of the Year award. The 97th CP is the first command post in Air Education and Training Command to win the Air Force Large Unit Command Post of the Year award.
"The 97th CP can be thought of as the eyes and ears for senior leadership of everything happening here at Altus Air Force Base," said Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Howell, 97th CP superintendent. This 24/7 operation not only keeps leadership informed, but the base populace and key agencies as well. The important responsibility of monitoring and updating Force Protection Condition levels and managing emergency situations by communicating with first responders such as the 97th Security Forces Squadron, 97th Civil Engineer Fire Department and local authorities falls squarely on the 97th CP's shoulders.
"What makes Altus Air Force Base's Command Post the Best in the Air Force is the same thing that sets any agency apart from the rest - its people," said Sergeant Howell.
While facts such as receiving a rating of Excellent on the 2006 Operational Readiness Inspection and putting a lid on any fires that may pop up, literally, such as the one right outside the base gate in 2006, obviously contributed to the 97th CP selection, it's the people in addition to their performance who really make the difference, said Sergeant Howell.
The people in the 97th CP practice and live the whole Airmen concept everyday. In spite of the 12-hour shifts, 97th CP Airmen still find time to pursue their educational goals and contribute to the community.
"Our Airmen stay involved through organizations such as AADD, Top 3, Rising 6 and Airmen's Council," said Sergeant Howell.
"It's not only being involved on the job but also seeking leadership opportunities out in the community that push our Airmen and ultimately their contribution to the Air Force to higher heights."
When talking about being the best in the Air Force, there must be something that happens every day, day-in and day-out. According to Tech Sgt. Tammy Hernandez, 97th CP Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Console Operations, it's the unit's tight-knit, family atmosphere that keeps everyone and everything flowing smoothly.
"Someone is always there to lend a helping hand," said Sergeant Hernandez.
Staff Sgt. Eduardo Gomez, NCOIC Stats of Resources Training Systems, said it's the attention to detail practiced by each person in the 97th CP that enables them to do what they have.
"I remember during the ORI how inspectors recorded our processes and ways of doing things so they could suggest them to be used by other bases in AETC," said Sergeant Gomez.
Senior Airmen Thomas Edge, 97th CP actions controller, says there's a certain spirit toward completing the mission which enables them to perform to the level they have.
Whatever it is the 97th CP is doing, it's working.
"This award is very special to me," said Sergeant Howell. "Although I have worked with and supervised Airmen who have won individual Air Force level awards, this is my first time experiencing being a part of a unit who collectively earned an award of this magnitude.
It's special because everyone in the unit had a stake in this accomplishment, he said.