756th ARS Airmen win Aircrew Excellence Award

  • Published
  • By MSgt. Linda Welz
  • Fourth Air Force Public Affairs
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, Calif. --  Airmen from the 756th Air Refueling Squadron recently received the 2009 Air Force Aircrew Excellence Award at the Fourth Air Force senior leadership conference during the Raincross Trophy dinner here July 20.

Other units and Airmen from the Fourth Air Force also received awards and trophies during the event.

The following is an excerpt from the award nomination package:

"Capt. Daniel Vicchio, 1st. Lt. John Mortenson, and Staff Sgt. Dana Fernkas distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement while participating in sustained aerial flight as a KC-135R crew, 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, 379th Expeditionary Operations Group, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar during the period 1 January to 21 December 2009. In the month of April 2009, they alone flew 20 combat air missions, totaling approximately 150 hours and offloading more than 960,000 pounds of fuel to more than 90 receivers, extending United States and coalition aircraft over the skies of Afghanistan and Iraq in direct support of United States Central Command Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM. Their outstanding airmanship directly supported the stabilization and rebuilding efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq, enabling the people to form new democratic governments, thereby furthering the strategic goals of the Global War on Terrorism. As testament to their airmanship, they selflessly took control of a situation in which an F-18 was facing a bailout scenario, fuel leading from its wings and having declared an in-flight emergency, the crew acted gallantly and affected a safe return to the home aircraft carrier. The collectively distinctive accomplishments of Capt. Daniel Vicchio, 1st. Lt. John Mortenson, and Staff Sgt. Dana Fernkas reflect great credit upon themselves and the United States Air Force.

In total, the aircrew flew 39 missions, consisting of 37 combat missions and two combat aerial medical evacuation missions. Amassing more than 260 stressful combat flight hours, while offloading more than 1.9 million pounds of fuel to more than 130 U.S. and NATO aircraft. While flying combat sorties over kill box areas in Iraq and Afghanistan, the 756 ARS crew supported direct combat operations with ground forces under fire from the enemy. Numerous times they were called in to refuel fighter aircraft supporting Troops in Combat (TIC) events requiring immediate aerial support outside protected airspace. The crew also directly supported 25 aerial demonstrations of force with armed engagements, resulting in the expenditure of 38 GBU-38 & GBU-12s, totaling 19,000 pounds of ordnance and 3700 rounds of 20mm/30mm ammunition.

During the month of April, the crew exhibited unequalled teamwork by providing a last minute escort for a crippled Navy F/A-18 experiencing an in-flight emergency. The mishap aircraft was continuously leaking fuel from one of its wings. The exceptional airmanship and calm under pressure of this crew provided the emergency aircraft a safe recovery to an awaiting aircraft carrier. For their outstanding display of teamwork, professional abilities, and exemplary aerial achievement, each crewmember was awarded an Air Medal from Lt. Gen. Gilmary Hostage, USAF Central Command commander.

In addition to their flight duties, this aircrew also worked ground duties. These duties included serving as the Supervisor of Flying for the 379the Expeditionary Wing, as well as providing security and accountability for deployed personnel. This air crew also provided transportation for all aircrew classified documents for the 340th Expeditionary Aerial Refueling Squadron."

Col. James Allman, 459th ARW commander, said in the nomination package , "I am very proud to lead such outstanding aviators and citizen airmen. They all three have volunteered to serve their country while at war on two fronts and have done so proudly and courageously. Their repeated acts of selfless devotion to duty exemplify the Air Force core values of 'Service Before Self' and 'Excellence in All We Do' and are shining examples 'Unrivaled Wingmen.'"

(Editor's note: Tech Sgt. Steve Lewis, 459th Air Refueling Wing, contributed to this story.)