Photo By Senior Airman Jasmine Barnes | U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jack Buckland Jr., a 36th Munitions Squadron munitions...... read more read more
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Andersen Air Force Base, Guam-- U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jack Buckland Jr., a 36th Munitions Squadron munitions maintenance technician, was recognized as the 36th Wing’s Team Andersen Linebacker of the Week, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 20, 2023.
The Team Andersen Linebacker of the Week recognizes outstanding enlisted, officer, civilian and total force personnel who have had an impact on achieving Team Andersen’s mission, vision and priorities.
As a munitions maintenance technician, Buckland plays a crucial role in explosive operations, driving testing, repair, shipment, receiving and inspection for the theater’s largest conventional munitions stockpile, valued at $1.8 billion and comprised of nine million assets. His responsibilities extend to the upkeep of five conventional and precision-guided munitions maintenance facilities along with the preservation of nine composite tool kits containing 19,000 pieces of equipment and tools. Buckland actively collaborates with the Department of Defense and regional partner units, supporting joint operations that contribute to Dynamic Force Employment, Bomber Task Force and agile combat employment missions in addition to annual Indo-Pacific exercises.
Buckland played a critical role in supporting the 18th Munitions Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, with an alert tasking. His efforts facilitated the seamless arrival of 16 personnel and the provision of 144 munitions. This enabled the execution of 12 F-15C Eagle sorties, providing deterrence to People’s Republic of China vessels near U.S. territory. Buckland’s exceptional work ethic led to his selection for two precision-guided munitions field training courses. During these courses, he honed his ability to inspect, disassemble, test and troubleshoot two missile systems, enhancing qualifications in his section by 52%. Moreover, Buckland’s involvement as one of six sexual assault prevention and response and suicide prevention instructors was crucial in the squadron’s achievement of 100% trained status, exceeding the Air Force’s deadline by three months.
“I think it’s cool that I get to work with all of the munitions,” said Buckland. “I love it here and my experience has been amazing.”
Buckland played a vital role in facilitating a $65 million, 45-container vessel shipment by conducting essential shipping and receiving inspections on a staggering 199,000 munitions assets. This oceanic retrograde shipment was pivotal in ensuring that the most modern defense options were available to the "Forward Edge" safeguarding the entire U.S. Indo-Pacific Command theater. He collaborated with two team members to execute a time-sensitive modification of seven munitions test sets valued at $1 million. His efforts led to significant upgrades in equipment, strengthening support for multiple weapons systems intended for future deployments, task forces, and USINDOPACOM exercises. Buckland was also integral to a foreign military sale operation, when he reprogramed and prepared 218 bomb guidance kits for shipment. Valued at $5 million, this Presidential Directive bolstered Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression with smart weapon capabilities. Buckland also prepared 180,000 munitions for a Pacific Air Force-directed shipment to outfit the theater for a high-end fight. His efforts propelled a $60 million missile redistribution between seven PACAF installations, the largest in six years. In addition to his military duties, he is an active member of the unit's undefeated intermural volleyball team. His involvement not only raises morale but also fosters squadron camaraderie, reinforcing a sense of unity and purpose.
“The people that were here and that are still here taught me that good work ethic gets the job done,” said Buckland. “I like to keep that mentality and I give my appreciation to everybody I work with.”
The term Linebacker is rooted deep within Team Andersen’s history. Operation Linebacker II took place on Dec. 18, 1972, and was the largest number of heavy bomber strikes launched by the U.S. Air Force since the end of World War II. During the operation, B-52s from Andersen flew round-the-clock bombing missions over North Vietnam to destroy major targets in Hanoi and Haiphong in an effort to bring the Democratic Republic of Vietnam back to negotiations.
The recipient will have the opportunity to sign a “Linebacker” football jersey that will be displayed in the Wing Headquarters building.
Way to go, Buckland!
| Date Taken: | 09.20.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 09.28.2023 18:01 |
| Story ID: | 454371 |
| Location: | ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, GU |
| Web Views: | 75 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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