F-16 Fighting Falcon News

September 20, 2007 (by TSgt. Michael O'Connor) - An Airman from the 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron is one of two in the Air Force to be honored with the 2007 General Lew Allen Jr. Trophy.
Senior Master Sgt. Gregory Bobzin, a production supervisor, is recognized for his ability to oversee the successful generation of 4,052 F-16 Fighting Falcon sorties while deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM as the lead pro-super at Balad Air Base, Iraq, at home station, and in support of Exercise ANATOLIAN EAGLE, COMBAT HAMMER/RED FLAG, while balancing fleet health with maintenance and flying requirements.

His actions achieved a 12-month mission capable rate average of 80 percent for the aircraft maintenance unit-topping the Combat Air Force Standard by three percent.

"There is no one better," said Maj. Matthew Sanford, 31st AMXS commander. "Sergeant Bobzin's superior leadership skills led to the flawless generation of 12 combat sorties within six hours of arrival to the area of responsibility downrange and his ability to coordinate a combat quick-turn in support of the battle at An Najaf led to the capture of more than 100 enemy insurgents."

"This is a huge honor," said Sergeant Bobzin. "Receiving recognition like this is not something you think about when you're out there doing the mission. This trophy represents the team effort and culmination of all the Airmen on the flightline doing their part every day."

Sergeant Bobzin said he also attributes a big part of his success to his family and their unwavering support of his back-to-back Air Expeditionary Force deployments and the numerous temporary duty training missions and constant 12-hour-shifts.

Receiving the 2007 trophy is a historic feat for the 31st AMXS and for the 31st Fighter Wing as it marks back-to-back years in which a senior NCO from the 31st AMXS was selected to receive this prestigious honor. Captain Michael Dailey, 473rd AMXS from Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., received 2007 honors for the base level officer category.

The trophy is awarded annually to base-level officers and senior NCOs in aircraft, munitions or missile maintenance directly involved in sortie generation, but only two receive honors at the AF-level. The trophy is named in honor of General Lew Allen Jr., the tenth chief of staff of the Air Force.