AMC Team Weapons Safety Award
By Staff Writer
6th Air Refueling Wing Weapons Safety Team
MacDill Air Force Base, FL
The 6th Air Refueling Wing Weapons Safety Team, MacDill Air Force Base, FL, led by Col Edward V. Szczepanik, demonstrated exceptional weapons safety leadership, enabling 608 munitions inspections and 3,800 movements totaling 20,400 pounds of net explosive weight, directly strengthening combat readiness across global missions. They increased inspection facility capability by 345 percent and ensured safe delivery of $59 million in munitions supporting U.S. European Command and U.S. Central Command operations.
Their experts evaluated 770 M18 handguns, reviewed sixty-four explosives site plans resulting in a forty percent waiver reduction, and delivered targeted explosives safety training to seventy Total Force defenders. They also executed 459 safety inspections, mitigated post-hurricane explosive hazards, and advanced joint training with U.S. Special Operations Command Central and Marine Corps F-35 and MV-22 units.
The teamโs comprehensive efforts were validated during the 2024 Headquarters Air Mobility Command Safety Program Evaluation, earning a โHighly Effectiveโ rating and recognition for superior weapons safety performance.