AFMC Command News

Air Force Outstanding Civilian Program Manager named

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ryan Hansen
  • Air Armament Center Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  In the acquisition world you need a program manager that is a critical thinker, superb communicator and top problem solver, and the Air-to-Ground Munitions System Wing has the best in the Air Force.

Recently Tom Mullins was named the 2005 Air Force Outstanding Civilian Program Manager for his accomplishments with the Area Attack Systems Group.

This past year Mr. Mullins led the charge for the Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser - Extended Range. He handled production, development and aircraft integration of the weapon while also serving as the director of operations for the WCMD Systems Squadron.

"I am proud of Mr. Mullins and his WCMD-ER team," said Mike Sorial, acting director of the AASG. "This team has weathered many storms, but under Tommy's (Mullins) +leadership, they have continued to fight hard and win battles for the needs of the warfighter.

"This award is a reflection of the dedication and service that Tommy provides to the U.S. Air Force," he continued.

Upon hearing he had won the award Mr. Mullins said he was honored and very thankful to his leadership.

"My leadership has a very demanding workload with day to day operations of the programs, but they still realize the importance of recognizing their people."

With Mr. Mullins at the helm the WCMD-ER underwent a system design development restructure plan. This change refocused the program's effort on fielding the weapon on the F-16 and by doing this, he freed up $15.7 million worth of funds for the program in 2006.

"Our WCMD Squadron has been through a challenging year - key personnel turnover, program budget cuts and a myriad of technical setbacks in our WCMD-ER development effort," said Lt. Col. Neil Robinson, WCMD Systems Squadron commander. "Tommy was instrumental in brainstorming options and implementing solution paths so we could navigate WCMD-ER through these challenges and keep the program moving forward."

He also pushed WCMD-ER into successful flight testing in 2005. The highly sought after weapon went through several ground mount tests and executed its first captive-carry mission without any major issues.

"Tommy has done an outstanding job leading the WCMD-ER development program," Mr. Sorial said. "There are many more challenges ahead for Tommy and his team, but I am confident that the final outcome will be a reflection of the professionalism, dedication and experience of Mr. Mullins and his first class team."

While the award may have shocked him, it came to no surprise to those who work with Mr. Mullins.

"He has earned it by the hard work and hours he has put in on this program," said Patricia Thompson, a financial management specialist with the AASG. "He is very knowledgeable in various areas and not just the program management field."

Although the award is an individual honor, Mr. Mullins said it is a direct reflection of the team he is apart of.

"You soon recognize in this business that a manager is only as good as the team," he said. "The team that supported the program this past year is one of the best. Their professional knowledge of their acquisition disciplines is unsurpassed."