Unit Was Inactivated Last June

It was bittersweet news for the 440 Airlift Control Flight to learn this month it was named Air Mobility Command Mobile Command and Control Unit of the Year (Air Reserve Component)... as the unit was inactivated in June.

The 440th ALCF earned the award for its successful command and control of AMC airlift assets in Spain. The unit was also cited for its work in exercises Maple Flag (Canada) and Juniper Stallion (Middle East).

"This dedicated Air Force Reserve unit extended America's Global Reach by processing more than 399 aircraft sorties world wide," said Maj. Gen. Frederick F. Roggero, director of air, space and information operations. "The 440th ALCF supported the safe delivery of 5,578 Department of Defense personnel and 21.7 million pounds of war material throughout the Northern and Euporean commands. This exemplary unit can take pride in their selection as the Best in AMC."

440th Airlift Wing Commander Col. Merle D. Hart agreed with General Roggero's assessment of the unit. "This is just of our unit's many great accomplishments since being BRAC'ed," said Colonel Hart, referring to the 440th's move to Pope Air Force Base and realignment of units under Base Realignment and Closure.

"Our ALCF folks ran hard and true until the end (the unit's inactivation). They are more than deserving of this prestigious award."

In 2007 the 440 ALCF was placed into "inactivated" status due to realignment of the Reserve Airlift Control units.

Many of the ALCF Airmen took new positions with the wing at Pope AFB, NC and the 934th Airlift Wing at Minneapolis Air Reserve Base, MN. The 440 ALCF, which has a rich history of successful missions around the world, has been named "AMC Mobile C2 Unit of the Year" three times since 1996.

(Aero-News salutes Gerald Green, 440th Airlift Wing)

FMI: www.af.mil