18th Wing earns four PACAF safety awards Published Dec. 10, 2008 By Tech. Sgt. Rey Ramon 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- The 18th Wing earned four Pacific Air Force Safety Awards for fiscal year 2008 and has been nominated for seven Air Force-level awards. Awarded annually, the PACAF safety awards recognize safety programs around the command for their dedication to safety and mishap-free operations. "This is an incredible accomplishment for the 18th Wing," said Lt. Col. Andre J. Briere, 18th Wing chief of safety. "It speaks volumes about the excellence and safety mindset of our people." The wing achieved the lowest number of flight class A, B and C mishaps in 10 years and ensured the safety of 17 million munitions, 475 structures, and 209 vehicles with zero mishaps in fiscal year 2008. Col. Briere thanked the 18th Wing nominees and the safety office for recognizing and encouraging a commitment to safety. "We wish them the best of luck as they compete at AF-level," said the colonel. The individuals who won at PACAF level are: - Captain Aaron Wirtz, 18th Wing Safety office, PACAF Flight Safety Officer of the Year - Master Sgt. Douglas Moore, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron, EOD Flight, PACAF Weapons Unit Safety Representative of the Year -Captain Thomas Harley, Captain Aaron Croft, Senior Airman Chris Bridges, and Senior Airman Joshua Emerick, 33rd Rescue Squadron, PACAF Aircrew of Distinction Award - 18th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, Physiological Training Flight, PACAF Chief of Safety Medical Achievement Award. In addition, PACAF has also forwarded five 18th Wing Air Force Safety Plaque nominations, and two individual awards, to compete at AF-level.