SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The 618th Air Operations Center recently earned the 2025 Verne Orr Award, highlighting its extraordinary ability to maximize human capital towards the delivery of rapid global mobility 365 days a year.
The award, presented by the Air and Space Forces Association, honors organizations that exhibit exceptional human resource management. This accolade underscores the 618th AOC's steadfast dedication to mission accomplishment, technological advancement, and the development of its Total Force personnel.
“This isn’t just a win for us,” said Brig. Gen. Cassius Bentley, 618th AOC commander. “It’s a win for all of Air Mobility Command and the mobility enterprise. Our team delivered with the manpower we had, and they did it through innovation, collaboration and an unshakable sense of purpose. We always find a way to deliver.”
The 618th AOC has a clear and simple mantra: Airmen. Operations. Culture.
“We can’t do anything without our Airmen,” Bentley emphasized. “And when we say Airmen, we’re talking about our Total Force. Our civilians, contractors, active duty and ARC members…everyone. I’m really proud of how well the team does here.”
As the Department of Defense’s largest air operations center, the 618th AOC plans, tasks, executes and assesses global air mobility operations. Maintaining an operation of that scale requires exquisite attention to detail.
“Here at the AOC, we have a 24/7 mission, and that can be tough,” said Senior Master Sgt. Marquelle Willis, 618th AOC first sergeant. “But our Airmen walk these halls with pride, embrace flexibility and an attitude that reflects excellence in every task.”
Confronting high operational demands and constrained personnel resources, the 618th AOC harnessed technological innovation to amplify its operational effectiveness. The organization led the deployment of Platform 1 ChatOps, an artificial intelligence-powered communication system developed on the Mattermost framework. This integrated solution aggregates information from over 16 different systems, improving situational awareness and facilitating rapid, real-time decision-making in fluid operational scenarios.
“The automation picked up chatter about an airfield’s lights being out before the wing commander even knew,” said Chief Master Sgt. Nathan Gershon, 618th AOC senior enlisted leader. “That allowed us to reroute aircraft and avoid potential safety issues, all because our systems talk to each other.”
Leadership has implemented on-site fitness centers and food services to support personnel during prolonged operations, while embedding a full-time resilience counselor. These initiatives exemplify leadership's commitment to addressing both personnel well-being and mission requirements.
As the unit looks ahead, Bentley says its priorities remain the same. Airmen, operations and culture; with a focus on development, innovation and resilience. He says, “whether it’s finding new ways to communicate with crews or pushing forward initiatives like advanced air refueling tech and open architecture systems, we’re going to keep leading.”
The team knows their recognition reflects years of commitment across a broad spectrum of operations.
“I deployed to Niger, Africa, for nine months and knew that my team was behind every air operation in the area,” said Willis. “I knew that everything would be ok because my team was taking care of business and they had my back.”
For one retiring leader, the award is a fitting end to a distinguished career.
“I’ve worked with lots of great units and squadrons over the last 30 years,” said Gershon. “But this has been the tightest team I’ve worked with. Civilians, officers, and enlisted all working towards one goal: supporting the crews on the road. It’s the perfect swan song.”
What sets the 618th AOC apart isn’t just its capabilities; it’s the people who power them.
“Our civilians provide the continuity, our Airmen bring the innovation, and our leaders empower them all,” said Bentley. “That’s what makes this team worthy of recognition.”
And now, the rest of the Air Force knows it too.