Airlift squadron wins flight safety award Published Feb. 11, 2009 By Airman 1st Class David Salanitri Keesler News editor KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS -- The 45th Airlift Squadron is Air Education and Training Command's flight safety award winner for 2008. The award recognizes the organization for outstanding achievement in or contribution to flight safety. Some of the squadron's accomplishments are: Logging more than 1,500 hours of accident-free C-21 aircraft pilot training. Receiving an "outstanding" rating during the AETC operational readiness inspection and contributed to the "outstanding" rating of its parent wing, the 314th Airlift Wing's at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. Earning two AETC "well done" awards in the squadron of 10 pilots. "We're very honored to receive this nomination by AETC," said Maj. James Gallagher, 45th AS chief of safety. "Whether it's our pilots, life support specialist, aviation resource managers or commanders support staff, we all maintain a focus on safety throughout the unit." "Monthly briefings, distribution of safety material, and timely presentations contributed to an enhanced safety mindset," said Lt. Col. Jimmy Canlas, 45th AS commander. Another squadron member, Master Sgt. Christina Wolfe, is senior noncommissioned officer of the year for the 314th Operations Group. "The Airmen I work with everyday made this possible by allowing me the ability to take care of them and the mission," said the 15-year Air Force veteran.