SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, ILL. -- Tech Sgt. Wayne P. Smith from the 618th AOC Current Operations directorate at Scott AFB, Ill was named the 2018 Loadmaster of the Year by the Professional Loadmaster Association (PLA).
The award is named after Chief Master Sergeant (Ret) William Cannon who was a Loadmaster for 30 years, instrumental in the design of the C-17 and the founder of our organization. CMSgt Cannon was posthumously inducted into the Airlift/Tanker Association Hall of Fame, one of six "Pathfinder Loadmasters" recognized for their contributions to the C-17A design.
This annual award identifies and recognizes the outstanding contributions of a Loadmaster for sustained excellence to include superior contributions supporting and promoting the Loadmaster profession. Smith was selected as the best of the best NCO Loadmaster from across six major commands.