Altus units recognized as AETC top squadrons

  • Published
  • By U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tharon Sperry
  • 54th Air Refueling Squadron
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The 97th Operations Support Squadron and the 54th Air Refueling Squadron were recently recognized as the top operations/training support squadron and top mobility/special operations squadron in Air Education Training Command.

The 54th also stood out from all other operational flying training squadrons across AETC this year to become the overall top operations squadron in the command.

"This has been a very successful year for the Jesters, and I'm very proud of each and every member of our team," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tharon Sperry, 54th ARS commander. "We had a 35 percent manning shortfall and despite that, we still delivered 738 students with a 99 percent graduation rate while maintaining 99.8 percent positive student critiques. Of course, we lean heavily on the base maintenance and support Airmen who assisted our squadron members. It certainly helps that one of those squadrons supporting us is AETC's top operational support squadron."

The 97th OSS also had a productive year by restructuring two aerial refueling tracks, saving $12 million each year in fuel costs and allowing for more efficient training. They also implemented additional cost-savings initiatives to save the wing $78 million annually.

"I am extremely proud of the OSS Airmen and this accomplishment they were able to achieve. Each member takes immense pride in their piece of supporting the mission and I am thrilled to see them rewarded for their hard work," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brian Collins, 97th OSS commander.

Both squadrons have a reputation as committed volunteers and good citizens by their involvement with a variety of events and programs on the base and in the Altus community. Squadron members volunteer in youth and base programs, church functions and charity fundraisers.

"The Airmen in our group are involved in everything from the local Humane Society to the Airmen Against Drunk Driving program on base," said U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Finch, 97th Operations Group commander. "They not only work hard on the base, but they participate and lead in the community as well."

"The work ethic the OSS and 54th display is a model for all Airmen on Altus AFB,"said Finch.

"Our wing has received many honors over the last year and a half and we are pleased that these two squadrons have been recognized for their hard work and dedication," said U.S. Air Force Col. Bill Spangenthal, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander. "This is not just an honor for these two squadrons--it requires a total team effort up and down the line both on and off base."