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625th Strategic Operations Squadron earns Phillips Award

  • Published
  • By Megan A. Orton
  • Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The 625th Strategic Operations Squadron here was recently recognized as the best overall missile squadron in the Air Force for 2009.

The 625th was eligible to compete for the Phillips Award for the first time this year, after realigning under Global Strike Command Dec. 1. In the past, only the nine operational missile squadrons were eligible to compete for the award, each wing putting forth its best competitor. As a geographically separated direct reporting unit, the 625 STOS, which boasts it has 20th Air Force's most diverse mission set, brings unique challenges to the table, and in the end...came out on top.

Lt. Col. Ronald Allen, 625 STOS commander, said there are three reasons for the squadron's win, none of which have anything to do with specific successes or events achieved in 2009.

"First and foremost, we have exceptional personnel," the colonel said. "We receive outstanding support from the three ICBM Missile Wings, the Air Force Personnel Center and local agencies when searching for the right talent to fill vacancies in our squadron."

The colonel then cited the squadron's relationship with AFGSC and 20th Air Force, pointing out how the unit's relationship with higher headquarters was beneficial.

"As a geographically separated unit with several unique missions, it is absolutely critical for us to maintain close ties with our major command and numbered air force staffs; Lt. Gen. Klotz and Maj. Gen. Burg have ensured we are able to do just that," Colonel Allen said.

Lastly, Colonel Allen said, the win was made possible by the squadron's "world-class mission partners."

"Each and every one of our four mission areas require us to work closely with personnel within US Strategic Command, Air Force Space Command and the Joint Functional Component Command for Global Strike, so our success directly hinges on the support we receive from each of these organizations."

The 625th is responsible for a number of unique missions, including: Airborne Launch Control System training, operations, testing and evaluation; the Strategic Automated Command and Control System; ICBM targeting and targeting system operations; and ballistic missile engineering and trajectory analysis.

Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz, AFGSC commander, recently visited the Offutt Air Force Base to present the award.

"With units like the 625th, the mission will be successful in the future as we continue 'To Deter and Assure,'" General Klotz said.

Colonel Allen said he is extremely happy to see the squadron's hard work and dedication recognized by winning this prestigious award.

"We definitely have an all-star lineup of dedicated professionals; I'm truly honored to be on their team, serving along-side each and every one of them," he said.

So, what's next for the 625th?

"Continue to improve...continue to get better...continue to build upon the tradition of excellence within the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron," the colonel said. He then referenced words from Aristotle: "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."

The Phillips Award is named after General Samuel C. Phillips. Sponsored by the Association of Air Force Missileers, the award is given annually to recognize the best overall missile squadron. General Phillips was the program manager during the development and testing of the Minuteman ICBM system, and many of his ideas and concepts of operations are still in use today. General Phillips retired in 1975 as Air Force Systems Command commander.