King Aerospace DOE Team Recognized for Outstanding Performance Second Year in a Row

Lightning can strike twice. This is the second year that the King Aerospace’s Albuquerque, NM-based Department of Energy team – a member of the Office of Secure Transportation (OST) – was recognized for outstanding performance. An independent board made these decisions based on multiple criteria: safety, efficiency, maintenance, effectiveness and training in all aspects of a flight program.

This team also was honored by the Interagency Committee for Aviation Policy (ICAP) as the best small aviation unit within the entire U.S. government agencies that own and/or operate aircraft. King Aerospace team member and line mechanic Ricky Daniels won the individual award for “Top Maintainer.”

“I’m honored and humbled by this award and share it with our incredible, mission-focused team,” says Daniels. “We never forget that what we do has the potential to save lives and safeguard vital government aircraft.”

The U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Office of Secure Transportation (DOE/NNSA/OST) team – consisting of the OST Aviation Operations Division and King Aerospace – was singled out as the best aviation organization within the Department of Energy.

“This recognition validates what we already know – this team exemplifies top-flight services that result in greater safety, value and mission readiness,” says King Aerospace President Jarid King. “Providing these services isn’t simply the fulfillment of a contract, but a patriotic duty we carry out with unwavering passion.”

The FY2021 Annual Department of Energy Aviation Awards event was held May 5 in Albuquerque, NM. It serves to celebrate superior aviation programs and professional management. The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) joins the Interagency Committee for Aviation Policy (ICAP) in sponsoring these annual awards. GSA provides a leadership role by chairing the committee, providing programs that support aviation activities, and reporting data concerning federal aviation management. ICAP is comprised of aviation leaders from across the government who coordinate and advise GSA on developing robust policy.

“The urgency of the aircraft support services we provide as a government prime contractor makes these honors extremely meaningful and gratifying,” says Greg Mitchell, King Aerospace vice president of government services. “Our no-excuses culture and proactive problem solving uphold the DOE’s overarching mission to ensure America’s security and prosperity. It’s a role we proudly fulfill.”

In 2019, the DOE/NNSA named King Aerospace, Inc. (KAI) prime contractor for supply chain and aircraft support services on behalf of DOE/NNSA’s Albuquerque, NM-based aircraft maintenance operations. The contract has a total estimated value of $28 million. Its one-year base includes four one-year renewal options until 2024. Contracted services include aircraft maintenance support and logistics for DOE/NNSA’s fleet of Boeing 737-400 passenger/cargo (Combi) aircraft with work performed by a dedicated King Aerospace program team. The DC-9 Combi aircraft that was part of the fleet was sold in 2021 and delivery of a Boeing 737-700 Combi is expected in early summer of 2022, becoming the third Boeing 737 in the DOE/OST fleet.

NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without nuclear explosive testing; works to reduce the global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the U.S. and abroad. The DOE/NNSA’s fleet transports nuclear weapons components, nuclear limited-life components and federal-agent taskforces.

“At King Aerospace, our role as a prime contractor brings home the time-sensitive, mission-critical nature of our logistics support,” says Jerry King, founder and chairman. “Our commitment to servant leadership and time-tested Cornerstone Principles guide King Kulture. Those include proactive problem solving and a no-excuses attitude much like the military’s. Awards such as these confirm the wisdom of our approach. Call me proud, because I am.”