Edwards air traffic controller receives AFMC award

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jason Hernandez
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Senior Airman Christine Kim, an air traffic controller with the 412th Operations Support Squadron, was named the outstanding air traffic controller command-wide. 

Airman Kim distinguished herself while working here and represented the base exceptionally during her deployment to Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq, said Master Sgt. Michael Brown, the Edwards Control Tower chief controller. 

"It's a great honor and very humbling," Airman Kim said. "I was quite shocked when I won the award. I'm very thankful for all the people who helped me every day. I just re-enlisted, and I can't thank my management enough for getting me to where I am." 

Airman Kim performed safe air traffic control service in one of the Air Force's most complex control towers and expertly managed, inventoried and distributed air traffic control assets at Edwards, Lt. Col. Christopher Wheeler, the 412th OSS commander, wrote in the award nomination package. 

"How she approaches her job every single day at work affects everyone around her by having a positive attitude and trying to make a difference for the mission," Sergeant Brown said. 

During peak ATC operations at Kirkuk, Airman Kim provided expeditious handling of medical evacuation helicopter flights that saved lives, Colonel Wheeler said. Airman Kim also provided vital support to unmanned aircraft testing and development enabling more than 450 successful Global Hawk, X-37 unmanned vehicle and Predator sorties. 

"Winning this award makes me want to do more while I'm in the Air Force," Airman Kim said. 

Airman Kim volunteered for the short-notice deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006. She was named the 506th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron Airman and Controller of the Month at Kirkuk. 

Airman Kim's excellent job knowledge and commitment have enabled her to maintain a 95-percent monthly proficiency test average, which is the highest among all Airman tested at Edwards, Colonel Wheeler said. 

"I love my job," Airman Kim said. "I don't think there is a better job in the Air Force. We get to talk to pilots and control valuable aircraft every day. I also get to see the new aircraft that they're testing here that can't be seen anywhere else. I feel very lucky to have this job."