Training superintendent earns AF award

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nestor Cruz
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  A training superintendent here was recently named best in the Air Force for his efforts to keep Airmen mission ready. 

Senior Master Sgt. Todd Staats, 18th Maintenance Operations Squadron maintenance training flight superintendent, received the Air Force's Education and Training Manager Award Sept. 10 from Brig. Gen. Brett Williams, 18th Wing commander. 

"Winning an Air Force-level award is a real honor and privilege," said Sergeant Staats. "Winning any award at this level takes a team effort." 

The senior NCO credits the members of his flight along with "outstanding support" he received from the 18th Maintenance Group leadership, whose top priority is training. 

"You are only as good as your supporting cast, and I have one of the best," said Sergeant Staats. 

Sergeant Staats manages the wing's training program, which earned an overall rating of "excellent" during the Pacific Air Forces unit compliance inspection in 2005. He upgraded 464 18th MXG members skill levels, achieving a 99 percent overall pass rate. 

As the training flight superintendent, Sergeant Staats effectively motivated his cadre of instructors, who collectively logged in more than 4,000 teaching hours, teaching subjects including foreign object damage prevention, engine runs and corrosion control to almost 3,000 Air Expeditionary Force Airmen. In addition to providing professional training to Airmen, Sergeant Staats encouraged members of his flight to pursue college degrees. 

"Sergeant Staats is the best training manager I've seen in my years in the maintenance community," said Chief Master Sgt. Gregory Baker, 18th MOS superintendent. "He runs a seamless and critical operation which serves as a force multiplier for the wing commander. Sergeant Staats' work provides more than 2,300 maintainers the tools they need to launch and sustain airpower. He deserves the Department of Defense-level award." 

Sergeant Staats was named 18th MOS Senior NCO Indirect Sortie Generation Maintenance Professional of the Year in 2005. He led the maintenance training flight to win the 18th MOS Flight of the Quarter award for the first, second and third quarters in fiscal year 06.