Award Honors Most Meritorious Flight For Life-Saving Mission

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) announced that Pedro 11 Flight from the 38th and 41st Rescue Squadron will receive the 2023 Mackay Trophy for the “Most Meritorious Flight” of the year in military aviation.

The Mackay Army Aviation Cup was commissioned in 1911 by Clarence H. Mackay to recognize the achievement among military aviators. Today, the U.S. Air Force and the NAA continue to present the trophy.

Chief of Staff of the Air Force (CSAF) General David W. Allvin said of the recipients, “While on Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) alert in East Africa, Pedro 11 Flight received a casualty evacuation request for two civilian children with life-sustaining injuries resulting from incidental fire.”

Gen Allvin continued, “Despite encountering several flight control malfunctions shortly after takeoff, Pedro 11 Flight continued with the mission, demonstrating unwavering commitment. Throughout the mission, they overcame their still malfunctioning flight control systems and performed air refueling en route to the surgical facility.”

“During this harrowing journey, the crew provided 45 minutes of ventilation and chest compressions for the patients while flying through a violent storm, covering 50 nautical miles under a 100-foot ceiling and half-mile visibility. Their efforts ultimately enabled the safe delivery of both patients to damage control surgery, saving the life of one child.”

FMI:  naa.aero/