United States Transportation Command

By 2nd Lt. Dustin Hart, Air Mobility Command Public Affairs Release #: 030627-2 Published: Friday, June 27, 2003

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (USTCNS) --- It was a year that saw Air Mobility Command log more than 400,000 flight hours, deliver almost 400,000 tons of cargo and transport more than 450,000 people. The command also completed more than 23,000 aerial refuelings and provided aeromedical transport for more than 18,000 patients.

It was a year that, in spite of dramatic increases in operations tempo, saw the command maintain a sterling flight safety record, more than one-third lower than the Air Force average.

The year 2002 also marks the third time in 10 years AMC has been recognized with the Maj. Gen. Benjamin D. Foulois Memorial Award for its exemplary flight safety record.
The Order of Daedalians presents the Foulois Award annually to the Air Force major command that achieved the best flying safety record as determined by the Air Force chief of staff.

"This award is a testament to the hard work and excellence shown by the people in AMC," said Gen. John W. Handy, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, and commander, Air Mobility Command. "Without their dedication to safety, this would have never been possible."

General Handy accepted the award on behalf of the men and women of the command from Gen. John P. Jumper, Air Force chief of staff, June 21 at the Daedalians' annual convention in Dayton, Ohio.

Although AMC's operation tempo rose 26 percent in flight hours and 116 percent in cargo delivered in 2002, its flight mishap rate remained almost identical to the previous year. In addition to the overall increase in flying time, AMC aircraft routinely flew missions into potentially hazardous and combat environments.

AMC was also able to safely accomplish wartime missions while testing and using new technology for its airlift and aeromedical evacuation missions. Operations in Afghanistan and elsewhere saw extensive use of Night Vision Goggles by airlift crews and the advent of new Patient Support Pallets to expand aeromedical evacuation capabilities with existing airframes.

The command also emphasized education, publishing daily flight-safety mishap reports and a monthly magazine, focusing on preventing future mishaps by sharing safety related experiences.

The command previously won the Foulois award for fiscal 1994 and fiscal 1999.

The Order of Daedalians was formed in 1921 to honor the sacrifices made by the first American pilots. The Daedalians began presenting annual awards for excellence in flight in 1938.

AMC wins Foulois Award for flight safety

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