Aircraft Maintenance unit wins sixth consecutive monthly excellence award

Staff Sgt. Jeremy Leclerc, 37th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, tightens a screw on a panel of a B-1B Lancer at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, July 2. The dedication of Leclerc and his 37th AMU teammates, ensures the aircraft is safe for its next mission. The 37th AMU won their sixth consecutive base-level 'AMU of the Month' award at the end of June. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Master Sgt. Christopher Garrettson)

Aircraft Maintenance unit wins sixth consecutive monthly excellence award

A B-1B Lancer is led off the ramp and onto the flightline before takeoff at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, July 7. The B-1B Lancers deployed here are maintained by the Airmen of the 37th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit who recently won the base-level 'AMU of the Month' award for the sixth month in a row. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Master Sgt. Christopher Garrettson)

Aircraft Maintenance unit wins sixth consecutive monthly excellence award

Published July 19, 2011
By Cadet Katie Boyle
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- A B-1 Lancer expeditionary aircraft maintenance unit here has set the standard of excellence for the sixth consecutive month by besting their peers in mission effectiveness, quality assurance, merits and overall fleet health.

The 37th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit, deployed from Ellsworth AFB, S.D., was again named AMU of the Month at this deployed location at the end of June.

Capt. Christopher Reese, 37th EAMU officer in charge, acknowledged the fierceness of the competition, yet emphasized the greater importance of accomplishing the mission.

"We try to keep our eyes focused on making sure we have an aircraft for the pilots ready to go to help those guys downrange. If we focus on that, everything else will take care of itself," said Reese.

In the last six months, the 37th EAMU has not missed a sortie and has worked hard every day to keep that number at zero. In order to keep operations running smoothly, Reese stresses communication and always supporting the mission.

"Communication has to be there in order for things to run smoothly. When everybody is on one accord and they can see the vision and they agree with it and support it, it's easy for the operation to run smoothly," Reese said.

In the hallway of its building, the 37th EAMU displays a picture of a Marine who personally came to thank them after his unit was saved by a B-1 air strike.

"Let it not be said on our watch that those downrange are told they have no coverage today because our planes are broken. Never let that be said," said Reese.

Senior Airman Christopher Sansing, 37th EAMU crew chief and recent AFCENT crew chief safety award winner, appreciates being recognized, but said what motivates him is knowing that the job is real.

"It's cool to see all of our hard work recognized and being set apart from our peers, but guys are downrange and we need to focus on that," Sansing said.

To commemorate their unique accomplishment, the 37th EAMU had patches made and now displays a trophy, door sign, and mural around their building in an effort to remember the dedication of this group of Airmen.