Crews from the U.S. Air Force’s 9th Special Operations Squadron (SOS) at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, have been awarded the 2023 Brig. Gen. Ross G. Hoyt Award for their exceptional performance during a presidentially-directed contingency operation. The operation involved supporting the single-longest U.S. Army helicopter mission to rely entirely on aerial refueling, marking a significant milestone in U.S. military aviation history.
The mission, which spanned over 10 consecutive hours and covered more than a thousand miles, saw two MC-130J Commando II crews providing exclusive in-flight refueling support to Army helicopter units. Throughout the operation, the aircrews delivered in excess of 20,000 pounds of fuel, enabling the helicopters to complete their critical mission without the need for ground refueling.
Capt. Alec Benoit, 9th SOS Chief of Standards and Evaluation, emphasized the historic nature of the mission and expressed pride in the crews’ accomplishments. “The 9th SOS, these crews and myself included, were honored to be part of such a historic mission,” Benoit stated. “Having the feat of this air-refueling mission and its crews acknowledged is really awesome.”
The operation showcased the unique capabilities of the MC-130J Commando II, a specialized air mobility platform designed for clandestine, low-level operations in politically sensitive or hostile environments. Despite facing significant challenges, including mechanical and communication equipment failures and hostile air defense threats, the 9th SOS crews demonstrated exceptional skill and adaptability.
Benoit praised his teammates’ performance under pressure, saying, “Their professionalism and their capability to perform under pressure in high stakes environments sets Air Commandos apart from the average person. These crews did an amazing job.”
Lt. Col. John Strube, 9th SOS commander, highlighted the rigorous training regimen that enables AFSOC crews to execute complex missions flawlessly on short notice. “Our crews train extremely hard every day so when the call comes we’re ready to execute flawlessly,” Strube explained. “I am extremely honored to lead such fine men and women who are ready at a moment’s notice to ensure American lives are safe. These two crews are a testament to how great the Night Wings truly are.”
The Hoyt Award, established in 1994 by the Air and Space Forces Association, recognizes the most outstanding aerial refueling crew across the entire U.S. Air Force, including Reserve and Air National Guard components. This prestigious accolade further cements the 9th SOS’s reputation for excellence and underscores the critical role of aerial refueling in extending the reach and effectiveness of military operations.
For more information, hit the Source below