Antiterrorism office wins SECDEF-level award

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stacy Moless
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Recently, Minot Air Forces Base's Antiterrorism Office was the proud recipient of the Commander-in-Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence antiterrorism category. 

This special recognition category is a Secretary of Defense-level award. It recognizes the units, teams and individuals that demonstrate exemplary achievement in the spirit of installation excellence, and who effectively use their resources to support the mission.

Pasquale Pallotta, 5th Bomb Wing antiterrorism officer and and Timothy Allen, 91st Missile Wing work antiterrorism officer, work together to keep Minot Air Force base safe and were happy to receive the award.

"This award brings some recognition to Minot Air Force Base in regards to antiterrorism and its force protection capabilities," Palotta said. "We did what was expected of us we had some individual initiatives, individual projects and products that we produced that were above and beyond what a normal antiterrorism office would do."

According to the antiterrorism officers, the award is also due to Minot AFB setting the standard for other bases and leading the way through new practices and procedures.

"Since we've had a joint office we've had a lot of innovations, some bench mark practices and some unique things that we did here on Minot that were highlighted. A lot of innovations are coming out of this shop," Allen said.

The two antiterrorism officers also indicated a large amount of teamwork and communication went into winning the award.

"One of the things we continuously try to do is improve the lines of communications between both wings," Palotta said. "We've got great leadership support in both wings for the antiterrorism program as a whole, so up and down the chain of command it's a very well supported program."

Since the enemy never rests, the antiterrorism office doesn't plan to rest on their laurels either. They continue forging the way ahead to keep the world's greatest air and space power safe and secure.