Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, MD -- Rusty Campbell wasn’t thinking of himself when he headed for Kuwait during the buildup for “Operation Iraqi Freedom” (OIF). He was thinking of the USMC and the assistance they needed keeping their F/A-18 aircraft ready to launch. Campbell, an employee of VSE Corporation (a company that is contracted with NAVAIR PMA265 and AIR-3.6 to support the Automated Maintenance Environment (AME) engine life tracking system) was recently presented with the F/A-18 Wingman Award during a ceremony in VSE's Lexington Park, Maryland offices. The F/A-18 Wingman Award is given to an individual or team for effort that is of significant value to the fleet, directly in support of the fleet, and at the fleets location. Rusty Campbell’s support and dedication to the fleet have made him a distinguished and admirable recipient of this award.

A former Marine with 27 years service, Campbell was recognized for his service on board several aircraft carriers and also ashore with USMC contingents in Kuwait during “Operation Iraqi Freedom” (OIF).

Members of the F/A-18 community and VSE employees applauded as Capt. “BD” Gaddis, NAVAIR F/A-18 program manager, presented Campbell with the award. Addressing Campbell, Gaddis said, “I realize that it doesn’t matter whether you are in or out of the Corps, you are always a Marine and willing to step up to the plate. You jumped on a plane and headed out to the Middle East and did a terrific job. Thank you.”

During the buildup for OIF, Campbell volunteered to go to the Middle East in support of deployed squadron AME requirements. Upon learning of problems ashore with the five deployed United States Marine Corps F/A-18C/D aircraft, he volunteered to go Kuwait in order to ensure the units had the best tools available to maintain essential war fighting assets.

VSE F/A-18 AME Fleet Support Team Program Manager, Terry Chandler, spoke highly of Campbell. “As a retired Marine Rusty was more than enthusiastic to have the opportunity to be in-country and support the Marine Corps. He has a reputation for excellence and is recognized and respected by the fleet sailors and Marine based support.”

Chandler said that within the last few years there has been an AME rep on practically every ship, or with every squadron, and during every major operation that the Navy and Marine Corps have undertaken since the war on terrorism began. “Rusty has been part of F/A-18 AME fleet support team for four years. With all of his fellow team members he spent a great deal of time aboard ship in support of the F/A-18 community and the fleet.”

“The majority of the 23-man team is made up of retired Sailors and Marines who understand the dynamics of fleet F/A-18 squadrons requirements. Rusty is an example of the values that have driven the AME fleet support team over the past six years. His unique skills and capabilities have grown within the team and have made the VSE Support team a world-class operation.

NAVAIR provides advanced warfare technology through the efforts of a seamless, integrated, worldwide network of aviation technology experts. From professional training to carrier launch; from sensor data to precision targeting; from aircraft and weapons development to successful deployment; from real-time communication to aircraft recovery NAVAIR provides dominant combat effects and matchless capabilities to the American warfighter.

For more information about the F/A-18 program please contact Denise Deon Wilson, Public Affairs Officer for PEO-T at 301-481-6263 or [email protected].

Cutline:
F/A-18 Program Manager Capt. Donald "BD" Gaddis presents Rusty Campbell with the F/A-18 Wingman Award. Campbell was recognized for his service on board several aircraft carriers, and also ashore with USMC contingents in Kuwait during "Operation Iraqi Freedom." Photo courtesy of VSE Corporation

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