BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. –
For the second year in a row, the 50th Intelligence Squadron was named outstanding intelligence unit within Air Force Reserve Command.
Not only did the 50th IS win outstanding intelligence unit , they also swept the Airman, non-commissioned officer, and company grade officer of the year awards for AFRC.
According to Lt. Col. Kenneth Chappelle, 50th IS commander, the squadron is the first AFRC intelligence unit that is fully integrated with active duty and the National Guard.
"Our people are supporting worldwide combat operations alongside their active duty and National Guard counterparts, while deployed in place at Beale," said Colonel Chappelle.
Airmen from the 50th IS analyze raw intelligence from the U-2 Dragon Lady, RQ-4 Global Hawk, RQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper making it usable for the forward-deployed war fighters. With the increased demand for high-quality intelligence on the battle field, many of the Reserve Airmen serve more than the traditional one weekend a month and two weeks a year.
"We have a number of people on long-term orders," said Colonel Chappelle. "Three of my officers went into key leadership positions within the active duty 13th Intelligence Squadron. It was so successful that the 13th IS commander said he could not function without the vital direction provided by our officers."
The Colonel said one of the keys to success in total force integration for the 50th IS is the tremendous amount of support the squadron has received from leadership at Beale.
"For TFI to succeed it has to start at the top," he said. "Active duty leadership at Beale has set the tone for TFI to succeed, and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force has said, 'No one does it better than Beale.' We have more mission than people, and all of us have to work together to accomplish the mission."
The 50th IS is two years ahead of schedule of getting online, and the recruitment of quality Airmen is another contributing factor to the success of the unit, said Colonel Chappelle,
"It's a compelling mission," said Colonel Chappelle. "Being in the 50th IS puts reservists openly into the fight by providing direct support to war fighters. In many cases, at the end of the day, they get to go back home and sleep in their own beds."
Colonel Chappelle said commanding the 50th IS is the most gratifying experience in his career, and he is very proud of the accomplishments of his Airmen.
"We have the most exceptional, sharp and dedicated people in the 50th IS, and they have all contributed to our success," he said.
50th IS individual award winners:
1st Lt. John Durkee, outstanding ISR officer
Tech. Sgt. Chester O'Leary outstanding ISR NCO
Senior Airman Thomas Mihalyi, outstanding ISR Airman