JTAGS Awarded "Best Crew"

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Chad C. Strohmeyer
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  When most people think of Misawa Air Base, they often notice the abundant Airmen; however, after garnering a top-level Army award, one of the smallest tenant units here is making their Soldiers' names known.

After beating out three other units around the globe after a week-long evaluation, the Army Joint Tactical Ground Station won the best crew competition in the Army for 2009.

"These Soldiers were hungry to prove their worth and show the world what they can do," said Army Capt. Erol K. Munir, JTAGS detachment commander. "They train extremely hard and their preparation is unparalleled. They are tested daily by real-world events and prove their proficiency day in and day out. This evaluation just reinforced what we already knew about their ability to excel at their jobs".

JTAGS, which is responsible for detecting, recognizing and processing incoming missile threats, was inspected on how the unit's three-man team performed, added Captain Munir. During the evaluation, the team processed and analyzed infrared data that came directly from satellites within a constrained timeline.

The inspection team, hailing from the 1st Space Company, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., evaluated all four JTAGS sites, which included units in South Korea, United States Central Command and United States European Command.

"The reason that this site won the competition is, without a doubt, because of the NCOs' and Soldiers' dedication to their job, "said Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Barber, JTAGS operations crew chief. "The 'Best Crew' is a testament to their work ethic, and it sets the standard for all other JTAGS sites."