AFSOC logisticians, maintainers earn Air Force award Published April 20, 2011 By Ashley M. Wright Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton A. Schwartz presented Air Force Special Operations Command with the General Wilbur L. Creech Maintenance Excellence Award April 18 in Washington, D.C. The award recognized the major command demonstrating the most improved performance in the category of aircraft maintenance and logistics readiness during the fiscal year. "The men and women of the AFSOC logistic enterprise are a critical and inseparable part of our ability to sustain our Special Operations Force's combat operations missions around the globe," said Lt. Gen. Donny C. Wurster, AFSOC commander, in a letter to the AFSOC maintenance and logistics community. More than 4,600 logistic personnel supported 24 flying units operations, 191 aircraft during missions with more than 32,000 flying hours, the award citation read. "These proud Air Commandos demonstrated unrivaled excellence in aircraft production and maintenance discipline...to spearhead an additional 145 engine rebuilds, 51 isochronal inspections and 3,872 avionic component repairs," according to the citation. In addition, the AFSOC maintenance personnel launched 71 sorties in response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, enabling 1.8 million pounds of supplies to be delivered. "It was an extreme honor to receive the award on behalf of all AFSOC logisticians and maintainers," said Col. Peter C. Robichaux, AFSOC Logistics director. "AFSOC loggies-Airmen, civilians and reservists accomplish extraordinary action in an ordinary manner each and every day." The award is named after General Creech who was the commander of Tactical Air Command before retiring in 1985, according to his Air Force biography. He also flew 40 different types of aircraft during his career spanning almost four decades. Carol Creech, the general's widow, was on hand for the presentation.