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Aviation and Ground Safety Well Done Awards presented for mishap prevention efforts

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  • Air Force Safety Center
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Three Airmen and two squadron crews recently received the Aviation Safety Well Done Award for outstanding airmanship or support to aircrew that prevented, or reduced the impact of, a serious flight mishap. Two Airmen received the Ground Safety Well Done Award, presented in recognition of non-safety personnel who make a significant contribution that affects overall mishap prevention activities in ground and weapons safety.

Nominations for the Aviation and Ground Safety Well Done Awards are submitted through the safety offices of major commands, direct reporting units, field operating agencies and Air Staff agencies to the Air Force Safety Center and may be submitted within a six-month period of an event in which an Airman makes a significant contribution to mishap prevention. Recipients are approved by Air Force Chief of Safety Maj. Gen. Greg Feest.

Following are the names of the most recent recipients of the two awards and citation excerpts that describe their performance that contributed to the Air Force Mishap Prevention Program.

Aviation Safety Well Done Award

Tech. Sgt. David H. Henson, 185th Air Refueling Wing, Sioux City Air National Guard, Iowa -- Henson was hand-picked to spearhead a forward deployed transient helicopter operation to support the South Dakota Task Force-Air in response to the Missouri River flood relief efforts. During this period, Henson was instrumental in creating and implementing robust safety measures. His efforts focused on safe, efficient ground operations and timely mission support to helicopter crews to mitigate risk and ultimately protect personnel and equipment. Henson's safe and efficient ramp operations resulted in minimum time on the ground for support operations and approximately 470 hours of operational support, 165 helicopter flying hours and the placement of 1,100 one-ton bags of sand. Henson's exceptional performance and commitment to safety reflect great credit upon himself, the Air National Guard and the U.S. Air Force.

Capt. Michael B. Hiatt, 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Eglin AFB, Fla. -- As Hiatt approached Eglin AFB on Jan. 5, 2011, the Automatic Terminal Information Service called 400-foot ceilings and one-mile visibility. While on the instrument landing system approach to Runway 19, the aircraft experienced wind shear at approximately 500 feet (wind speed increased from about 15 knots to 30 knots) causing Hiatt to experience spatial disorientation. When he managed to see ground at around 300 feet, he realized he was significantly left of course and initiated a missed approach. Hiatt was able to overcome his spatial disorientation and diverted to Tyndall AFB where he landed the aircraft with approximately 1,200 pounds of fuel remaining. Hiatt's exceptional performance and commitment to safety reflect great credit upon himself, Air Combat Command and the U.S. Air Force.

Capt. David T. Madson, 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Eglin AFB, Fla. -- On Aug. 23, 2011, Madson was two-ship flight lead during a night close-air support mission at Avon Park range supporting the 21st Special Tactics Squadron as part of Exercise Swamp Dealer. While orbiting the airfield, the aircraft engine revolutions per minute and thrust began to fluctuate. Madson determined the fluctuations were well outside of the normal limit and began troubleshooting the problem and coordinating an emergency approach. With Avon Park airfield less than five miles away, Madson determined that he was within gliding distance in case of an engine failure. He and his wingman coordinated an emergency landing and he performed a flawless simulated flameout landing pattern. Through outstanding airmanship, Madson landed his stricken F-16 uneventfully at night at an unfamiliar airfield--an extraordinary emergency scenario. The exceptional performance and commitment to safety of Madson reflects great credit upon himself, Air Combat Command and the U.S. Air Force.

Crew of Rider 66: Capt. Jace McCown, Capt. Nicholas Allen, Staff Sgt. Michael Glasmeier, Staff Sgt. Lee Simmons and Senior Airman Joshua Farre, 54th Helicopter Squadron, Minot AFB, N.D. -- On July 11, 2011, the crew of Rider 66 completed a tactical assault training sortie and two landing zone safety surveys. While returning to base, Rider 66 received a Master Caution Light and associated No. 1 Hydraulic System Failure Light. As the crew ran the hydraulic failure single failure checklist and notified the operations desk of the emergency, the aircraft commander turned toward the closest airfield, Bottineau Municipal Airport. After completing the checklist, the crew determined the failure was not induced by an electrical malfunction. Meanwhile, the aircraft commander proceeded with a steep approach and landed without incident with the hydraulics only providing assistance to the cyclic and collective, but not the tail rotor control pedals. Maintenance post flight discovered a hydraulic filter assembly line ruptured, causing the fluid to drain from the No. 1 hydraulic reservoir, creating a potential fire on the magnesium transmission. Rider 66's quick analysis of the emergency and safe landing prevented catastrophic damage, saving the aircraft and five crew members. The exceptional performance and commitment to safety of Rider 66 reflect great credit upon themselves, Air Force Global Strike Command and the U.S. Air Force.

Crew of Agile 21: Capt. John Wrazin, Capt. David Gunning, Capt. Eric Mann, 1st Lt. Matthias Wilson, Staff Sgt. Kevin Reiss, Staff Sgt. Enbom, Staff Sgt. Robert Sprayberry, Airman 1st Class Justin Baker, 9th Special Operations Squadron, Eglin AFB, Fla. -- While deployed in support of Operation New Dawn on Aug. 14, 2011, the crew of Agile 21 experienced a rupture of the hydraulic line in the rudder flight control system accompanied by a severe leak and toxic hydraulic mist. The loadmaster and engineer found the leak and recommended turning off the degraded system. The aircraft commander immediately directed the crew to run the Smoke and Fumes Elimination Checklist and isolated the affected flight control system. Meanwhile, the navigators plotted alternate airfields and programmed the navigational systems for an emergency return to base. Once the crew was on oxygen, the aircraft commander directed the crew to move all passengers as far from the ruptured hydraulic line as possible. The mist and fumes stopped building as soon as the crew turned off the affected system and the Smoke and Fume Elimination Checklist actions cleared out the remaining toxic fumes. During final approach, the airfield came under attack and the crew made the decision to land based on the reduction in flight control effectiveness and the safety of the passengers. The exemplary airmanship of all crew members resulted in a safe and expeditious landing of the aircraft, ensuring the safety of all personnel and equipment. The exceptional performance and commitment to safety of the crew of Agile 21 reflect great credit upon themselves, Air Force Special Operations Command and the U.S. Air Force.

Ground Safety Well Done Award

Staff Sgt. Jordan M. Lydy, 36th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 36th Maintenance Group, 36th Wing, Andersen AFB, Guam -- While bowling at Gecko Lanes, Lydy responded to a fellow deployed Airman who showed signs of physical distress. After he determined the Airman's heart had stopped and he was not breathing, Lydy immediately began life-saving first aid. Lydy's decisive action restarted the Airman's heart and enabled him to resume unassisted breathing. Lydy's application of basic life-saving techniques prevented the loss of our nation's No. 1 asset. His courage and ability to perform under extreme circumstances reflect great credit upon himself, Pacific Air Forces and the U.S. Air Force.

Airman 1st Class Mark W. Moceri, 36th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 36th Maintenance Group, 36th Wing, Andersen AFB, Guam -- While dining locally, Moceri responded to a fellow deployed Airman who showed signs of physical distress. After he determined the Airman was partially incapacitated with an airway obstruction, Moceri immediately performed the Heimlich maneuver. Moceri's decisive action dislodged the foreign object from the Airman's throat and enabled him to resume unassisted breathing. Moceri's courage and ability to perform under extreme circumstances reflect great credit upon himself, Pacific Air Forces and the U.S. Air Force.