305th MXG officers win AMC award, compete at Air Force level

Published Jan. 13, 2012
By Senior Airman Bryan Swink
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Two 305th Maintenance Group officers were recently recognized as the Air Mobility Command nominees for the Air Force 2011 Lieutenant General Leo Marquez Maintenance Award for their respective categories.

Maj. Ash Cannon, 305th Maintenance Operations Squadron commander, and Capt. Gary Charland, 605th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron operations officer, were recognized as outstanding aircraft and munitions maintenance personnel for their contributions to AMC's operational mission.

"It is a high honor to be recognized at the AMC level for your individual accomplishments, but both of these outstanding officers would tell you their selection is a testament to all of the hard work and dedication displayed each and every day by the maintenance group team," said Col. Charles Hill, 305th Maintenance Group commander.

Cannon was selected to receive the award as the outstanding field grade maintenance officer. He led 123 personnel supporting five squadrons, 1,482 maintainers and 48 aircraft in AMC's busiest flying wing, executing more than forty-four thousand flying hours in fiscal year 2011.

Cannon led his squadron to a 99.5 percent "outstanding" rating during the 2011 AMC Logistics Compliance Assessment Program inspection and achieved nine positive and zero negative findings during a parallel compliance inspection. He also integrated 370 Army and Navy personnel and nine joint aircraft into the wing's complex aviation arena, ensuring a high-visibility base realignment and closure transformation.

Cannon was also recently selected to attend Intermediate Developmental Education at National Intelligence University.

"Major Cannon is an exceptional leader because he is able to create from both a strategic level as well as motivate at a very tactical level," said Hill. "His vision and planning, in regards to operations for the MXG, as well as the 305th Air Mobility Wing, have impacted everything we do in a very positive way. He continues to impress with his leadership and his presence as the MXG continues to support so many agencies on the joint base."

Charland was selected as AMC's outstanding company grade manager of 2011. He managed 386 personnel in direct support of 32 KC-10 aircraft and five flying squadrons.

Charland's focus on quality aircraft maintenance was the catalyst behind his squadrons' drive for maintenance excellence. The 605th AMXS has bested 14 of 15 maintenance metrics for the last two months and has surpassed the AMC mission capable rate standard four consecutive months for the first time in 13 years. His diligence led to the rapid deployment of two KC-10 aircraft in direct humanitarian support of Operation TOMODACHI, following the tsunami that caused damage to the island nation of Japan. His efforts allowed for immediate fuel and medical supplies to help aide in relief efforts.

Charland's tactical level planning led to a 100 percent fully mission capable rate, which enabled the 305th AMW to evacuate 10 KC-10 aircraft located in the direct path of Hurricane Irene. He also led the squadron in preparation for the 2011 AMC Logistics Compliance Assessment Program, which cemented the squadron's "outstanding" rating.

"With Captain Charland's leadership over the last 11 months, our KC-10 aircraft production has not seen such great heights in regards to departure reliability and mission capable rates - which are the best seen in more than five years," said Hill. "His technical expertise, combined with his understanding of how efficient aircraft scheduling creates healthier aircraft for our mission, are why we have the most reliable KC-10s in the entire fleet."

Both Cannon and Charland will now compete against other major command winners at the Air Force level.

"Major Cannon and Captain Charland represent the absolute best in the career field, and both recognize it takes the entire team to achieve excellence - so great job to all 'CAN DO' maintainers who contributed to their success," said Col. Paul Murphy, 305th AMW commander.