Maintainers, aviators earn safety recognition Published Jan. 11, 2007 By Lt. Col. Tracy Dorsett 333rd Fighter Squadron SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The 333rd Fighter Squadron and 333rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit received an award for their combined safety records. The two organizations produced 70 thousand hours of accident-free flying. The award spans 12 years in which 333rd maintainers and aviators had zero accidents involving a loss of aircraft of greater than one million dollars of damage. Steve Mosier, the Boeing executive who presented the award, said it was quite an accomplishment considering the organizations' service records and warfighting contributions since 1994. Lt. Col. Bill Acker, 333rd FS commander, said he took great pride in accepting the award on behalf of maintenance and operations personnel and emphasized the amount of hard work and cooperation necessary to fly over a decade without a major accident. The fighter squadron has generated more than 1,500 new or re-qualified aircrew members in those 12 years. Additionally, the squadron boasts a vigorous, high-volume flying-hour program. Col. Steve Kwast, 4th Fighter Wing commander, closed the award presentation ceremony by commending maintenance personnel on their hard work and dedication to duty for reaching this milestone. He also thanked the aviators and all involved for this amazing accomplishment. Colonel Kwast said the two organizations have directly contributed to all of Americas' conflicts during the award's timeframe and that the safety record is vital to our continuing efforts in the Global War on Terror. "The award truly shows how the whole Seymour Johnson team is required to keep these aircraft airborne and safe," said Colonel Acker. "Every single military and civilian on Seymour plays a vital part in the safety of each of the 4th FW jets. Boeing, the 333rd Fighter Squadron and 333rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit recognize the entire Team Seymour effort and would like to say 'thank you' to each and every base member."