318th FIS Garners coveted

1st Lt. Michael Framm F-15 pilot gives the "thumbs up sign to SSgt. Brian Bresnahan, crew chief .

The Hughes Achievement Award for Excellence in Air Defense and Air Superiority will return here to the 318th Fighter Interceptor Squadron.

The squadron, which previously earned the award in 1975, was selected as the outstanding U.S. Air Force / Air Guard unit with a air defense/air superiority mission for 1984.

The award, commonly known as the Hughes Trophy, is presented annually. Units from the Tactical Air Command, Air Defense TAC, Pacific Air Forces United States Air Forces in Europe, Alaskan Air Command, and the Air National Guard compete for the honor.

The award, established in the 1950's by the Fighter Pilots Association, in conjunction with industry, to recognize the importance of the Air Forces air defense and air superiority mission. The Hughes Aircraft Corporation donated the trophy.

Criteria for the honor include the unit's maintenance effectiveness, operational readiness inspection results, incentive programs for individuals, efforts to improve operating procedures, and facilities and community relations.

Gen. Charles A. Gabriel, Air Force Chief of Staff, noted the exceptional performance of the squadron in his congratulatory message. >>>This is the second time the squadron has received Air Force level recognition this year. It received its forth outstanding unit award in February.

Lt. Col. Timothy A. Kinnan, 318th FIS Commander, cited the squadron for its teamwork.

"All the different parts of a squadron worked together toward a common goal," he said. Unfortunately, I can't take credit because I wasn't here in 1984, but there are about 700 people here who can take credit because it is a recognition of their outstanding efforts.

"Squadron members have known for a long time that they are the best air-to air squadron in the Air Force, Colonel Kinnan said, but it is nice to have everyone else know it,  too."

The squadron played a major role in upgrading airborne command and control capabilities by flying more than 100 sorties in support of the E-3A Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System. It also flew numerous missions for the Regional Control Center upgrade.

The Green Dragons deployed 307 pilots and maintenance support people, 16 F-15s and two T-33c to Canadian Forces Base Comox, British Columbia, while the McChord runway was closed for repairs last summer. Additionally six T-33s and two F-15s and 56 pilots and maintenance people deployed to Castle AFB CA. The 318th also deployed to Mountain Home AFB ID, Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, WA; CFB Goose Bay Labrador, Canada; and Tyndall AFB, FL during the year.

 In addition to the difficulty of maintaining readiness while converting to a new weapons system the squadrons people spent much of the year working out of temporary facilities as construction projects were being completed. Almost all component repair branch shops and many sections were affected.

The unit flew 194 sorties from NORAD alert status during the year. Det. 1 318 FIS flew 162 sorties from NORAD alert status in support of the 26th Air Division. The Green Dragons led the command by having the fewest alert deviations and recording the highest percentage of "on the alert time" for the period April through June.

The squadron also received the U.S. Air Force Flight Safety Award Plaque for 1983 and was awarded the TAC Flight Safety Award for the period June 25, 1983 to June 24, 1984. Flight safety was characterized as "Thorough comprehensive and strong" by Tactical Air Command Management Effectiveness Team.

The 318th also received the Air Force Missile  Safety plaque for 1983 after completing a full year with no missile accidents and was ADTAC's nominee for the 1984 Maintenance Daedalian Award.

In addition to its accomplishments in operations and maintenance, the unit's support areas performed as well.

The 318th FIS achieved one of its long-term goals by winning the 1984 ADTAC facilities competition for the second consecutive year. Detachment 1, 318th FIS, earned the most improved detachment award for the year.