JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. –
The 305th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron was awarded the 2023 Maintenance Effectiveness Award in the Small Aircraft Maintenance Unit category, recognizing this ‘CanDo’ squadron as one of the Air Force’s top-performing maintenance units.
“The 305th AMXS earning AMC's (Air Mobility Command) 2023 Maintenance Effectiveness Award is a huge win for our team,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jeremy Puskas, 305th AMXS senior enlisted leader. “This highlights the squadron's exceptional commitment to its personnel, C-17 (Globemaster III) maintenance and mission. The hard work and dedication demonstrated by our members played a pivotal role in earning this prestigious award.”
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 a total of 2,453 C-17 sorties to transport 2,891 passengers and 6,250 tons of cargo. They conducted 28,476 maintenance actions and facilitated 21 maintenance repair teams to maintain 13 C-17A in support of training, exercises and missions. The squadron fulfills operational needs across the globe, including operations Inherent Resolve, Noble Eagle, Enduring Sentinel as well as North Atlantic Treaty Organization missions in addition to U.S. Transportation Command and AMC taskings.
The 305th AMXS was the first employed-in-place C-17 squadron during the Air Force Force Generation Available Phase and is at the forefront of innovation for AMC and the Department of Defense. The squadron was nominated as the testbed for the Central Maintenance Computer, coordinating predictive maintenance and flight data “playback” capability. The nine-month trial analyzed 65,000 data points per aircraft and led to a 45% reduction in off-station breaks, saving 1,600 man-hours, 147,00 pounds of fuel and $1.3 million in aircraft parts.
“This achievement not only showcases their technical expertise but also underscores their ability to consistently deliver outstanding maintenance support, ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of our C-17 fleet for Rapid Global Mobility,” Puskas said. “Their unwavering determination and grit to make the mission happen day in and day out are commendable.”
While the 305th Airmen and leaders were delivering exceptional mobility readiness, they also made purposeful efforts to focus on quality of life on and off duty. Throughout the year, new courses for Airmen and noncommissioned officers’ professional development were launched with a renewed emphasis on investing in personnel. Members also established courses focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, mental health, preventative medical techniques, mentorship and overall wellness.
“The maintainers of the 305th AMXS rapidly generate global airlift to meet daily mission demands,” said Lt Col Katherine Harmon, 305th AMXS commander. “I am continually impressed with their determination, dedication, and passion. They worked tirelessly, both professionally and personally, and ambitiously earned this award through perseverance. I’m immensely proud to be a part of this squadron and proud of each member of the unit for the phenomenal accomplishment of winning the 2023 AMC Maintenance Effectiveness Award!”