JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The 305th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron was awarded the 2025 Air Mobility Command Maintenance Effectiveness Award, Category 1 Small Aircraft Maintenance, proving why the 305th Air Mobility Wing is the ‘Can Do’ Wing.
“This award is a powerful reminder that when passion meets perseverance, extraordinary things happen,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Piha, 305th AMXS commander. “We’re honored to be acknowledged among such outstanding peers, and this recognition inspires us to continue pushing boundaries and delivering Rapid Global Mobility, on time, on target.”
The award is presented annually to the unit that most successfully managed resources and equipment to remain sustainable in peacetime and wartime. During the award period, the 305th AMXS generated 2,374 C-17 Globemaster III aircraft sorties transporting 4,730 passengers and 15,938 tons of cargo. To accomplish this, the 305th AMXS conducted 43,788 maintenance actions to maintain 14 C-17A aircraft in support of training, exercises and missions. The squadron fulfilled operational needs across the globe, providing key strategical advantages to achieve national strategic goals.
The 305th AMXS was the most heavily tasked C-17 aircraft unit in the U.S. Air Force in recent months, exceeding 32% mission generation and 18% sortie execution. During this time, they moved 10,792 tons of cargo, 80% more cargo than any other AMC base.
“I am beyond proud of the men and women of the 305th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, it is extremely humbling to be able to serve with the best C-17 maintainers in the world,” said Chief Master Sgt. Paul Baisden, 305th AMXS senior enlisted leader. “This unit’s attitude and aptitude far surpass any unit I have had the privilege to serve with over the past 26 years, and they are truly deserving of this recognition as the command’s best small maintenance unit.”
During the award period, the 305th AMXS revolutionized its home station check inspection process, cutting the industry standard 127-hour inspection benchmark to just 76 hours. Using their improved process, the team of 29 personnel built a comprehensive training framework that allowed 1,471 inspection tasks to be completed efficiently.
Through the reliance and innovation shown by the Airmen and mission partners of the 305th AMXS, they continue to help the wing stay mission ready tonight. With the inaugural year of their “Bulldog University,” a 12-month curriculum aligned with Air University’s Frontline Supervisor Job Qualification Standard, 63 members were able to progress through the program that aligned with their 5 and 7-level upgrade process allowing them to integrate with their on-the-job training.
“This recognition highlights the passion and unwavering teamwork of our driven, empowered, and ready to win Airmen,” Piha said. “This award is a testament to the incredible dedication of our entire team…[and]… is not just for us, but for the entire network of resilient Airmen and families [who] have supported us along the way.”