SCW-1 wins Omaha Trophy

Published June 14, 2013
By Petty Officer 1st Class Chris Delano
Strategic Communications Wing ONE Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- One of the highest levels of joint operations is recognizing Strategic Communi-cations Wing One for excellence in Strategic Aircraft Operations with the coveted Omaha Trophy for 2012.

This honor, awarded annually by Omaha's Strategic Command Consultation Committee, recognizes outstanding units in four separate categories which reflect the command's primary lines of operation, continued emphasis on strategic deterrence, and their evolving role in global operations.

Air Force Gen. Bob Kehler, commander of United States Strategic Command, presented the trophy at the wing's change of command June 7.

"These units demonstrated the highest standards of performance in support of USSTRATCOM's array of capabilities in space, cyberspace and strategic deterrence. We applaud the members of these units for their outstanding contributions and extend our heartiest congratulations on their selection for this prestigious award," said General Kehler. "You are each outstanding representatives of our task forces, joint task forces, and functional components. Your sustained professionalism, record of mission accomplishment, and emphasis on effective war fighting readiness are remarkable and contribute significantly to our Nation's defense."

Strategic Command chooses winning units based on formal evaluations, meritorious achievement, safety, community involvement and other factors.

Accepting the award on behalf of the wing, incoming commander Capt. Heather Cole, said, "This award is a credit to the 24/7/365 commitment our TF 124 sailors dedicate each day."

This is the fourth time SCW-1 has won the Omaha Trophy. Prior awards occurred in 1997, 1999 and 2008.

Three other units won the award in different categories. The Global Operations Trophy went to the 50th Space Wing, Schriever Air Force Base, Colo. The Submarine Ballistic Missile Trophy went to USS Alaska, Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay, Ga. The Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Trophy went to 90th Missile Wing, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wy.

"These units demonstrated the highest standards of performance in support of U.S. Strategic Command's diverse missions," read the award announcement. "We applaud the members of these professional units for their outstanding contributions and extend our heartiest congratulations on their selection for this prestigious award."