Military

"Saberhawks" Win DoD Maintenance Award

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061113-14
Release Date: 11/13/2006 8:14:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Daisy Abonza, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific

CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- "Saberhawks” of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 47 from Naval Air Station North Island was presented with the Secretary of Defense field level Maintenance Award Oct.26.

The DoD announced HSL-47 as a winner of the Robert T. Mason Trophy at the 2006 DoD Maintenance Symposium and Exhibition in Reno, Nev.

“We were never really here to win awards," said Cmdr. Daniel E. Boyles, commanding officer of HSL-47. “I was not expecting it [award] and was honored to get the award. We are here to do our job, which is to fight the global war on terror.”

The Robert T. Mason Trophy is presented to the major organic depot-level maintenance facility that exemplifies responsive and effective depot-level support to DoD operating units.

“Everyone from E-1 to the most senior person pitched in,” said Chief Aviation Machinist‘s Mate (AW) Antonio Agoncillo. “It’s a great sense of accomplishment and a great honor.”

HSL-47 was officially established Sept. 25, 1987, and has been at the forefront of helicopter operations in the Pacific Fleet.

“You can see the crew’s proud expression when they look at the trophy,” said Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st (AW) Class Ron Flock.

The field-level maintenance awards honor military maintenance organizations for outstanding performance. The awardees, two from each category of small, medium and large organizations, are chosen from active and reserve organizations that perform unit or field-level maintenance. One of those organizations is singled out as the best of the best and receives the Phoenix Trophy.

The awardees, two from each category of small, medium and large organizations, are chosen from active and reserve organizations that perform unit or field-level maintenance.

“We are the only Navy unit to win an award,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ken Strong, previous maintenance officer of HSL-47. “It is a great honor to be a representative for the Navy”.

“We were not expecting this [award],” said Aviation Warfare Systems Operator Airman (AW) Akesiu Tafuna. “It was a big surprise. Working long hours paid off and we have become a closer unit.”