Congrats to Air Force Nominees for the 58th Annual Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service!
Dr. Steven F. Butler, Air Force Materiel Command
Robert S. Jack, II, Air Force Global Strike Command
and Dr. Grant T. Hammond, Air Education Training Command
Additional information per Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs- JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas:
According to his commander, Butler’s visionary leadership was critical in managing and executing a $60 billion annual budget and employing 83,000 people – 40 percent of the Air Force civilian workforce. As the services contracting advocate, he led reform of 147 services contracts valued at more than $149 billion, to meet USAF and Congressional goals. He also managed services operations funds, saving $185 million annually, and more than $600 million in direct customer costs. As Executive Director of Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Butler spearheaded the concept of “high velocity maintenance” across Air Force depots, converting high-risk aircraft maintenance into pre-planned biannual repairs. His concept improved safety while reducing costs and repair time. He also led the AFMC reorganization from 12 Centers to five, the largest transformation in the command’s 20-year history, saving $109 million per year and streamlining critical processes and structures.
Jack led numerous projects with impact at DOD and national levels. As the designated accrediting authority for all Air Force nuclear command, control and communications systems, he led efforts to provide modern, survivable communications to enable emergency action message transmission in support of the president of the United States. According to his commander, Jack’s vision and foresight ensured critical funding was available for permanent B-52 communications and data-links upgrades. Jack led the transition of five main operating bases and 23,000 personnel from Air Force Space Command and Air Combat Command during the Air Force Global Strike Command stand-up, enabling the command to quickly reach full operational capability. He also managed a multi-million dollar cryptographic modernization initiative to ensure critical modernization of multiple nuclear command and control systems.
A highly regarded instructor, Hammond is influencing generations of military and civilian leaders. As a highly-sought invitational speaker, he has communicated doctrine during talks about war in the aftermath of the Iraq invasion, asymmetric threats, rapid technological change, and the needs of a 21st Century Air Force. Named to lead the Air Force Chief of Staff-directed study on future missions and enabling technologies, he published the study’s first year report in 2007 which directly influenced the Air Force science and technology budget and informed the Air Force submission for the 2009 Quadrennial Defense Review. A masterful organizer, he executed the first-ever NATO Regional Cooperation Course.
