Contracting squadron earns Air Force-level award

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • Staff writer
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  The 62nd Contracting Squadron was recently named the Air Force fiscal year 2008 Outstanding Contracting Unit (Small).

The award is a first for the squadron and is particularly meaningful since the 62nd CONS will be fully consolidated into the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Procurement Office by October 2010, said Maj. Jack Jackman, 62nd CONS commander.

"The members of our squadron are very honored and proud of being recognized at the Air Force level," Major Jackman said.

The 62nd CONS had its share of challenges in 2008 as the squadron's deployments were extended to six months while home station dwell time was shortened to a one-to-one ratio. Civilian personnel turnover averaged 32 percent, which also reduced the overall experience levels within the unit, Major Jackman said.

"But squadron productivity, the quality of our contracts and customer service levels were increased significantly," he said. "I believe the primary factors that led to our selection for this award was strong leadership within each of the flights coupled with ingenuity, great teamwork and a willingness by numerous individuals at all levels to place service before self."

The award will be presented April 17 at an awards ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.