Lt. Gen. Francis J. Wiercinski, commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific, announced the winners of the USARPAC Army Award for Maintenance Excellence program Nov. 15. The 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade placed in three out of the six categories with the 602nd Aviation Support Battalion winning in the Large MTOE Category. The United Nations Command Security Battalion -- Joint Security Area, administratively a unit of the 210th Fires Brigade, won in the Small TDA Category. And Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion placed runner up in the Supply Excellence Award for Medium MTOE PBO.
"Competition was keen and the awards reflect their dedication, hard work and success," said Wiercinski.
The 602nd ASB executive officer commented on the award and the hard work that went into winning it.
"The Army Award for Maintenance Excellence is a very prestigious award and the competition was tough," said Maj. Derek Di Bello. "It is truly an honor to have been selected for this outstanding award at the USARPAC level. This award represents the culmination of hard work, dedication and leadership from all of the Soldiers in the 602nd Aviation Support Battalion."
Chief Warrant Officer Terrence Devone, the UN Command Security Battalion's maintenance officer, praised the efforts of Soldiers and leaders for the unit's victory.
"[Winning the award] is mainly a reflection of the command and the Soldiers throughout the battalion," said Devone, who oversees all maintenance efforts in the unit. "Without their support, the [maintenance] program wouldn't work."
While 602nd ASB and the UN battalion won in their categories, Company E, 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment, was a runner up in the medium category and Company E, 2nd Battalion (Assault), 2nd Aviation Regiment, was a runner up in the small category.
"In general, I would like to say I'm so proud of my Soldiers and the jobs they do daily," said Capt. Margie L. Battle, commander of Co. E, 3rd GSAB. " It is a company effort as a forward support company and every section within the company played a significant part in winning runner-up for the AAME award."
Also, the first sergeant of 2nd Battalion's Co. E said how proud he is of his company.
"It is a wonderful feeling that our unit was able to accomplish this great achievement," said 1st Sgt. Manuel Castro. "It reflects greatly on the Soldiers, [noncommissioned officers] and officers in the unit, by winning the AAME inspection. I am extremely proud of the unit for its efforts."
The winners will continue on to compete Army-wide in the program.
"I am proud that these winners will represent the command in the Army-wide competition for the HQDA level Army Award for Maintenance Excellence program," said Wiercinski.
Editor's note: Capt. Matthew McMillan, 210th Fires Brigade public affairs officer, contributed to this report.
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