by 1st Lt. Angela Webb 30th Space Wing Public Affairs
11/28/2006 – VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — The Joint Space Operations Center here was awarded the 2005 Omaha Trophy for best Strategic Space and Information Operations in U.S. Strategic Command Nov. 20.
Gen. James Cartwright, U.S. Strategic Command commander, congratulated the team and reemphasized the importance of the JSpOC mission.
“We have already proven the JSpOc’s value with all of your great work,” said General Cartwright. “Now we must move forward and increase its diversity — diversity meaning we need to add the other services to increase the joint aspect and do it fast, so every civilian and military person knows the way we do business.”
The general also spoke of the honor to have the civilian community recognize the importance of the JSpOC mission.
Ken Stinson, U.S. STRATCOM Consultation Committee chairman, presented the award to Col. Stephen Whiting, 614th Space Operations Group commander, and his team for their outstanding performance.
The award is presented annually to assigned units demonstrating the highest standards of performance. Selection for the award is based on formal evaluations, meritorious achievement, safety and other factors such as community involvement and humanitarian efforts.
“The team conducted a superb performance,” Mr. Stinson said. “Thank you for all you do to keep our freedom.”
The Omaha Trophy has been awarded by U.S. STRATCOM since 1971. However, the SSIO category has only been around since 2003.
“Not to be presumptuous, but I look forward to your return for the 2006 presentation,” said Colonel Whiting.
Maj. Gen. William Shelton, Joint Functional Component Command for Space commander, also had words of congratulations for the team.
“Our people have been doing great work to create and expand the vision for the JSpOC,” General Shelton said. “The entire team has done a tremendous job supporting the fight around the globe and they deserve our congratulations.”
