Ohio National Guard News
Springfield-based 251st CEIG earns
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SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (2018) — The 251st Cyberspace Engineering Installation Group has earned the 2018 Gen. Mark A. Welsh III One Air Force Award at the National Guard Bureau level, making it a contender for the same award for the entire Air Force. According to officials, the 251st CEIG made unprecedented contributions to the U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM)’s command and control facility military construction project at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. This project is the largest in Air National Guard engineering installation history, and involved efforts from the active duty, Air Force Reserve and other unified combatant commands. “The team’s display of the Air Force core values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do were at the forefront of their work ethic,” said Lt. Col. Sheree Patillo, the onsite commander of the Total Force Team. “Great, positive attitudes were an absolute necessity for us to be as flexible and adaptable as we had to be in our day-to-day operations.” The Gen. Mark A. Welsh III One Air Force Award recognizes two or more Air Force components that achieved mission success through improved effectiveness, operational readiness and integrated solutions. Each Air Force major command, field operating agency and direct reporting unit were allowed to submit one integrated team nominee to represent them at the Air Force level. The 251st CEIG was chosen the best in the Air National Guard, for accomplishments during the nomination eligibility period of May 1, 2017, to April 30, 2018. “This new facility will serve as a visible reminder to allies and adversaries of our national commitment to maintain modern and effective (Nuclear Command, Control and Communications, or NC3) capabilities,” said Gen. John Hyten, USSTRATCOM commander. “The robust IT (information technology) infrastructure installed throughout this facility will allow for flexibility to accommodate both current missions, as well as adapt to meet the needs of future missions.” Airmen with the 251st CEIG utilized state-of-the-art technology to install the copper and fiber optic cable connectivity that enables the weapon system for this combatant command. The 251st CEIG team faced several challenges throughout this construction project, and worked up to 179-day increments to overcome infrastructure obstacles. “I am extremely proud of the hard work that these members put in,” said Col. Wade Rupper, the 251st CEIG commander. “This project exemplifies the positive things which can occur with total force, interagency collaboration.” The cohesive teamwork between units throughout the Air Force ultimately saved the Department of Defense more than $250 million in direct savings and cost avoidance. “I am honored to have led such a talented and versatile group of people, and to have been a part in this historic endeavor,” Patillo said. |
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