Tactical Data Link Citations

Tactical Datalink Manager

Senior Airman Mark A. Gonzalez distinguished himself by meritorious service as Tactical Datalink Manager, 608th Air Operations Center, Headquarters Eighth Air Force (Air Forces Strategic), Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. During this period, Airman Gonzalez provided critical communication, command, and control for a President-directed B-2 mission ensuring the delivery of 85 bombs on two targets to eliminate 78 enemies. Additionally, he configured a new tactical data link network for 19 B-1s providing global situational awareness to worldwide command and control elements. Furthermore, during operation POLAR ROAR, Airman Gonzalez tracked six bombers over a 36-hour mission across 55,000 miles, demonstrating flexible deterrence in support of North American and European allies. Finally, Airman Gonzalez was selected by the Air Force Global Strike Commander to attend Officer Training School under the Senior Leader Enlisted Commissioning Program. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Gonzalez reflect credit upon himself, the 608th Air Operations Center and the United States Air Force

Deployed Networks Technician

Senior Airman John K. Lark distinguished himself by outstanding achievement while serving as Deployed Networks Technician, 521st Contingency Response Squadron, 621st Contingency Response Group, Joint Base Mcguire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. During this period, Airman Lark supported an executive communications support team at the Airlift and Tanker Association Conference, providing the Air Mobility Command Commander and senior staff secure data capabilities to monitor the Israel-Hamas war. Additionally, he established C4 capabilities for a USTRANSCOM inspection team, facilitating the CCMD validation of the 821st Contingemcy Response Group during their first AFFORGEN cycle. Further, as the sole communications member for a joint service exercise, he collaborated with the 6th Special Operations Squadron and the Army Special Operations Center, certifying 267 operators for static line and military freefall training. He also trained eight contingency response members on combat methods and offloads, significantly enhancing squadron combat readiness. Finally, he configured five C4 systems for the squadron's tactical data link program, adding threat warning and common operating picture capabilities for future deployments. The distinctive accomplishments of Senior Airman Lark reflect great credit upon himself, the 521st Contingency Response Squadron and the United States Air Force.

Datalinks Interoperability Officer

Captain Robert B. Starett distinguished himself by outstanding achievement while serving as Commander, CAF C2 Test Flight and Datalinks Interoperability Officer, 46th Test Squadron, 46th Test Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. During this period, as Datalinks Interoperability Officer in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, Captain Starett resolved numerous datalink theater issues and provided support to over 40,000 ground troops. He provided A-10s and HH-60s in Afghanistan the first-ever combined airborne and ground tactical picture, increasing situational awareness by 300% and greatly shortening the kill chain for the warfighter. In addition, he led a technology demonstration in Afghanistan which bridged the airborne Link 16 and ground based Blue Force Tracker networks, resulting in the creation of a Joint Urgent Operation Need. Moreover, Captain Starett performed an on-site installation of a tactical datalink ground station within Afghanistan, increasing geographic coverage by 30%. He also deployed on three separate datalink gateway maintenance missions, repairing critical communication hardware throughout the theater. Lastly, by repairing a critical datalink component, Captain Starett enabled the standup of the three million dollar Consolidated Regional Interface Control Cell and Battlefield Airborne Communications Node Facility in Afghanistan. The distinctive accomplishments of Captain Starett reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.