JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J –
The 305th Air Mobility Wing’s Detachment 1 received recognition for helping Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in being named the best North American airport in its size category for the 2020 Airport Service Quality Awards.
Detachment 1 is a seven-member team from the 305th Aerial Port Squadron that works at BWI as contract officer representatives for United States Transportation Command.
The team works directly with USTRANSCOM, Joint Service Partners and BWI’s leadership on a daily basis to ensure the safety and wellbeing of travelling service members and their families.
According to Maj. Kaylee McLean, 305th Aerial Port Squadron commander, the majority of personnel deploying to Central Command and members travelling to the United States European Command area of operations pass through the Detachment 1 gateway at BWI. This makes it the largest and busiest detached aerial port in Air Mobility Command.
“It is both an honor and a privilege to partner with the United States Air Force, Air Mobility Command and the 305th Air Mobility Wing in assisting those who serve as they travel,” said Cedric Johnson, deputy chief of BWI operations. “The Detachment 1 team is a big part of any BWI Marshall success.”
While Ricky Smith, BWI executive director, refers to 2020 as “the most challenging time in [BWI Marshall Airport] history,” the Detachment 1 team had multiple accomplishments during the year.
Some of the more notable achievements include partnering with 12 additional agencies to create the first joint federal, state, and military BWI active shooter tabletop exercise, as well as, successfully absorbing Norfolk Naval Air Station’s Patriot Express passenger mission.
“I’m always incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication displayed by the APS Airmen and Detachment 1, but the team really rose to the challenge in 2020 and showed that there is nothing they cannot accomplish,” Col. Mary Teeter, 305th Maintenance Group commander said.
“This recognition is well deserved and we look forward to our continued partnership of excellence with the BWI Airport.”