ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The mission of the 97th Air Mobility Wing Force Civil Engineer Squadron is to support the men and women of Mobility’s Hometown through its infrastructure. Constant dedication and passion for the job are requirements to exceed and achieve this mission. The 97th CES was recognized for going above and beyond Air Force standards and received multiple awards in 2019, at Altus Air Force Base, Okla.
The 97th CES received three Air Education and Training Command level awards which included: the Maj. Gen. Clifton D. Wright Award, Maj. Gen. Robert C. Thompson Award and the Maj. Gen. Del R. Eulberg Award. The 97th CES will proudly represent AETC in further Air Force-level competitions.
The Maj. Gen. Clifton D. Wright Award recognizes the most outstanding CE Operations Flight in the performance of quality maintenance, repair and improvement of instillation facilities and infrastructures.
“I have been here for nine years, and this is our third time winning this award,” said Dean Thornton, the 97th CES deputy operations flight commander. “Personally, I think that says a lot about CE. We have multiple professionals that care about the base, and have so many good people in this squadron; they are able to make things happen without us asking.”
The Maj. Gen. Robert C. Thompson Award recognizes the CE unit which achieved the highest degree of recourse excellence by offering the most outstanding products and services to its customers. The 97th CES has proven how well it takes care of the wing, mission and its members by staying on top of multiple tasks at hand.
“Our people do so many things for the Airmen on base,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Dustin Gooden, the 97th CES operations flight commander. “It makes me proud to be part of an organization that cares this much, and continues to receive awards for their constant dedication.”
Lastly the 97th CES Installation Management Flight was recognized with the Maj. Gen. Del R. Eulberg Award having the highest degree of excellence ratings in installation management during 2019.
With more than 280 members as part of their team, their combined efforts and the overall love for the job helped secure the title of the in the Air Force. The Airmen especially take pride in keeping facilities and infrastructure around base safe for Airmen and their families.
“The passion that people have for their job here amazes me, military and civilian,” said Thornton. “It’s a great feeling to know you can rely on everyone in your squadron to do their job to the best of their ability, all the time.”