AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Since World War II , the European theater hasn’t seen a larger air drop than the one mobility Airmen supported here in 2016.
The caliber of support delivered to this large operation, called Saber Junction 16, as well as many other deployments and exercises throughout last year, earned the 724th Air Mobility Squadron, a tenant unit at Aviano Air Base, the 2016 Air Force Small Terminal of the Year.
“These guys don’t see deployment support as a challenge, they see it as an opportunity,” said Senior Master Sgt. James Scott, 724th AMS superintendent. “And they live by the motto everyday: ‘Any challenge, always ready.’ That’s what we attribute to our success.”
The team’s success was showcased when they executed more than 500 airlift missions and moved approximately 17,500 passengers and 6,500 tons of cargo to support Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Operation Oaken Steel and more than five combatant commands.
“We support operations into Africa, the Balcones, the Mediterranean, as well as to the President of the United States,” said Maj. Chad Wharton, 724th AMS commander. “The big buzzword right now at Air Mobility Command is Rapid Global Mobility. Our guys really projected that worldwide.”
There are several things the 724th AMS attributes to their recognition at the U.S. Air Force and USAFE levels.
“Our Airmen give it that little bit extra and a lot of them go to school and volunteer,” said Staff Sgt. Brandon Fritz, 724th AMS air freight shift supervisor. We have a fair amount of go-getters and people who want to succeed.”
The squadron also won the award in 2010 and 2014, but this is not the only thing that sets the 724th AMS apart.
“We’re not just focused on doing the mission; we’re involved in the community,” said Scott. “These guys have a drive to better themselves, the squadron and the base. The whole team concept is real with them.”