Team Buckley rocks house at Guardian Challenge 2010

Published May 24, 2010
By Senior Airman Stephen Musal
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Team Buckley kicked tail and took names during the 2010 Guardian Challenge competition.

The mighty 460th Space Wing was named the Best Space Operations Wing, taking home the prestigious Aldridge Trophy for the first time in the 460th SW's history!

"I am extraordinarily proud of our combined Active Duty/Guard team," said Col. Clint Crosier, 460th SW commander, who was on hand to accept the Aldridge Trophy. "We took a Total Force team into the competition, and brought home our first Aldridge Trophy in wing history. That just goes to show how strong our active/Guard partnership is here at Buckley."

"It is an honor to be part of such a professional Total Force Team," agreed Col. Skip Johnson, commander of the Colorado Air National Guard's 137th Space Warning Squadron, the 460th SW's partner in the competition. "Whether it's our day to day support in missile warning and intelligence to the defense of our nation or competing as a combined force, Team Buckley is the finest group of professionals I've ever served with! It's great to see this group get the recognition I see them earn every day."

"I am extraordinarily proud of all of you," added Brig. Gen. Trulan Eyre, 140th Wing commander.

The combined forces of the 460th SW and the 137th SWS, operating as Team 597, were named the best Security Forces Tactics team in the competition.

Additionally, Team Buckley had the best Space Communications team and defended the Space Operations team title for the 2010 Guardian Challenge competition.

"I'm proud the 137th was able to defend Team Buckley's Space Operations title," said Capt. Stephanie Myers, 137th SWS and a member of the Space Operations team. "The 460th Space Wing was a great help to us, taking care of things behind the scenes so we could focus on training and winning."

Every two years since 1994, Air Force Space Command has held Guardian Challenge. This competition is designed to improve readiness and sharpen skills necessary to defend our nation in space operations.

The next Guardian Challenge is set for 2012, and Team Buckley will be ready to dominate once again.