28th BW garners top bomb wing honors

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Nathan Gallahan
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., has proven to be the top bomb wing in the U.S. Air Force and will be bringing home the Stanley Cup of trophies in the bomber community -- the Fairchild Trophy.

"This win is the result of the consistent training and dedication of Ellsworth Airmen in operations, maintenance and mission support," said Col. Mark Weatherington, 28th Bomb Wing commander. "Team Ellsworth can take great pride in this accomplishment."

The announcement was made during the Global Strike Command's Global Strike Challenge competition award ceremony at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Nov. 9. Airmen from Ellsworth competed over months in bomber operations, weapons loading and security forces competitions. The scores from all the competing Air Force wings were then tallied. When the dust settled the 28th Bomb Wing was named the best bomb wing in the Air Force.

"I applaud the enthusiasm and effort by all the competitors, and consider it a great honor to bring home the Fairchild Trophy," Weatherington said. "The long range strike capabilities tested in the challenge remain vital to our nation's defense."

The Global Strike Challenge pits bomber, intercontinental ballistic missile and security forces teams from across the Air Force community against one another to foster espirt de corps through competition and teamwork. Competitors and leaders recognize outstanding performances during the competition and understand clearly how this helps to improve combat capabilities while providing valuable crosstalk on lessons learned.

Along with the Fairchild Trophy, 28th Maintenance Group crew chiefs are bringing home the "Best Bomber Crew Chief Team" award.

The last time the 28th BW won the Fairchild Trophy was in 1989. The trophy, which was originally donated by the Hughes Aircraft Corporation, is named for Gen. Muir S. Fairchild, former U.S. Air Force Vice Chief of Staff and has been awarded at every bomb competition since 1951.