Arnold receives 'excellence' award for sixth time

  • Published
  • By Philip Lorenz III
  • AEDC/PA
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. --  Air Force officials announced Monday that Arnold Engineering Development Center is a winner of the 2008 Air Force Organizational Excellence Award (AFOEA) for work accomplished June 1, 2006 - May 31, 2008. 

This is the sixth time AEDC has received this unit award; the last being in 1998. 

Created in 1969, the AFOEA recognizes the achievements and accomplishments of Air Force internal organizations that are entities within larger organizations. 

Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command is AEDC's parent organization. 

"Being recognized with this unit award is an exceptional accomplishment," said AEDC Commander Col. Art Huber. "This award is a testament to how well teamwork pays off despite a very challenging environment where budgetary, schedule, or technical issues often arise and can derail the best efforts. I am humbled by the concerted efforts of our team, many who work tirelessly behind-the-scenes, to ensure Arnold excels and remains at the forefront of ground testing of our nation's aerospace weapon systems." 

The award citation commended Arnold for a number of recent engineering and performance accomplishments, including the center's work to qualify the B-1 Bomber's F101 high performance, afterburning engine using a synthetic Fischer-Tropsch/JP-8 fuel blend. 

The citation also stated, "AEDC conducted testing to support F-22 supersonic weapons delivery, advanced air-to-surface weapons for the F-16 and F-15E and completed over 8,000 hours of wind tunnel testing to usher the Joint Strike Fighter to first flight." 

In addition, AEDC was recognized for its significant contributions to the nation's space program by testing components for NASA's Mars Science Lab and Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle. 

The award citation credited Arnold's efforts to prepare for the future through the organization's successful sustainment, restoration and modernization of its aerospace test facilities - significantly improving both its test capabilities and quality of life for Air Force personnel and contractors alike.