Award recognizes flying hour milestone

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. James Hodgman
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The 60th Operations Group at Travis Air Force Base, California introduced the Alpine Swift Award in April to recognize aircrew members who accumulated the most flying hours in their specialties.

The award is presented to pilots, engineers, load masters and boom operators who fly on C-5M Super Galaxy, KC-10 Extender and C-17 Globemaster III missions.

Since January 1, 2016, Travis aircraft have flown nearly 6,000 missions delivering more than 44,000 tons of cargo, 125.5 million pounds of fuel valued at $41 million, and nearly 32,000 personnel to locations all across the globe.

The aircrews who flew these missions have amassed a total of 26,722 flying hours supporting a variety of missions including relief efforts after Hurricane Matthew struck Haiti.

“It’s important we recognize the commitment our Airmen have shown to executing the mission and the Alpine Swift Award is one way for us to do that,” said Lt. Col. Brian Tavernier, 60th OG deputy commander. “Every flying hour accumulated represents sacrifice and time executing the Air Force’s primary mission to fly, fight and win.”

Many Airmen will deploy on multiple occasions to get the mission done, without complaint, Tavernier said.

“When I look at the flying hours our Airmen have achieved, I understand the sacrifice they’re making to support the mission, whether that’s delivering clothing to people in Afghanistan or providing aerial refueling in support of the warfighter,” Tavernier said. “They’re choosing to be away from their families, to miss holidays, birthdays and anniversaries to accomplish our mission and that sacrifice doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Capt. Aleksey Tyabus, 22nd Airlift Squadron executive officer and C-5M aircraft commander, has received the Alpine Swift Award twice after accumulating nearly 500 flying hours in the Air Force’s largest aircraft.

He first received the award in July for flying 47 sorties, accumulating more flying hours than any other C-5M pilot from January 1 – March 30, 2016 with 250 hours. He earned the award again in October for flying 230 hours.

“This award is great because it’s recognition for performing your primary job,” Tyabus said. “I’ve been flying a lot and it’s nice to be able to do what I love and what I’ve been trained for to accomplish the mission.”

Tyabus arrived at Travis in July 2015 and has piloted the C-5M on missions to 14 countries including Iraq and Afghanistan.

He said receiving the Alpine Swift Award is a great honor, but knowing he’s contributing to mission success is a greater reward.

“It’s nice to have that accomplishment in my first year here, but for me, the biggest thing is taking care of the mission,” Tyabus said. “I’m glad I’m able to help out and fly the missions that I can.”

The next Alpine Swift Award will be presented in the first quarter of 2017.