An NCO who is exactly what the Air Force needs; honored as Airlifter of the Week

  • Published
  • By Air Force Airman 1st Class Milton Hamilton
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
A member of the 86th Material Maintenance Squadron was honored as the Airlifter of the Week March 21.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. James Hase, 86th MMS war reserve materiel non commissioned officer in charge, was honored by the 86th Airlift Wing command team for his outstanding accomplishments. Recently, Hase coordinated with Air Force Materiel Command Armament Headquarters subject matter experts to fulfill a short notice deployment tasking for aircraft damage repair.

Hase was able to collect and complete all the necessary information for the outbound shipment process from three different countries, in less than 48 hours.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mark R. August, 86th AW commander said it takes a professional to take these types of events and turn them into results, which yields combat air power.

Hase’s leadership enabled 85 repairs to a mortar damaged C-130J Super Hercules, and provided damage repairs to a malfunctioning C-5 Galaxy aircraft door.

Hase said, It was pretty awesome for the 86th AW command team to honor him and the 86th MMS.

In collaborating with his team and critically thinking, Hase allowed for two downed aircraft to be returned to full mission capable status, weeks ahead of schedule.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Ernesto Rendon, 86th AW command chief, said Hase is a perfect example of what the 86th command is asking of an a NCO and he’s what the U.S. Air Force needs.

To close the ceremony August and Rendon, accompanied by Hase’s peers and leadership, shined a light on the accomplishments of the 86th MSS and the Airmen who support it.

“Logistics is the unsung hero of every war,” said August.

The Airlifter of the Week program recognizes Ramstein Airmen who are devoted to making the 86th AW the World’s Best Wing.