ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- The 28th Munitions Squadron was recognized for excelling in providing safe, serviceable equipment at Ellsworth Air Force Base Feb. 4, 2022.
The squadron was awarded the Air Force Global Strike Command Maintenance Effectiveness Award for 2021 in the missile and munitions category.
The award is given to the unit who best manages resources and excels in providing safe, serviceable equipment.
“Our shop completed several mission-focused actives to get this award, with roughly 270 military members assisting in the procurement of it,” said 2nd Lt. Stephanie Barbaro, 28th Munitions Squadron material flight commander. “One of our biggest missions we accomplished was shipping roughly 50 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles to three different bases.”
28 MUNS not only ships and loads munitions but repairs them as well.
“Another one of our important missions with a deadline was completed two years ahead of schedule, where we fixed a missile rack instead of replacing it,” said Barbaro. “Fixing the racks saved the military about $28 million.”
Airmen from 28 MUNS say it was a difficult year, but a rewarding one.
“Everybody worked very hard over the past year, I am very proud of our team’s capability to work hard under high stress,” said Barbaro. “I am glad that Global Strike Command was able to recognize our military members for their hard work and dedication to the Air Force.”
This award has four categories - small aircraft maintenance, medium-aircraft maintenance, missile/munitions maintenance, and depot.