48th Airlift Squadron clinches ‘top’ honors Published March 24, 2016 By Senior Airman Stephanie Serrano 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- The 48th Airlift Squadron, assigned to Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., is recognized as the top flying training squadron for Air Education and Training Command, therefore winning the Top Operations Squadron of the year award for 2015. Reactivated in Dec. 2003, as the first active-duty C-130J Super Hercules formal training unit, the squadron provided 389 combat airlifters to seven major commands and five international partners, despite the instructor pilot manning being as low as 54 percent. Through innovative scheduling methods, the unit recovered from a 14-day training deficit to achieve a 97 percent on-time graduation rate. The unit is responsible for training student pilots and loadmasters. "Drive, spirit and hard work is what made the 48th what it is today," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William Holyfield, 48th Airlift Squadron commander. "It's an honor to receive this award, continue our proud heritage and keep the tradition alive." Additionally, the 48th AS hosted the largest Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps exposition in Little Rock history and led the installation's Airman Against Drunk Driving program. Key contributing factors to the squadron's success are pride and professionalism due to the participation and teamwork found throughout the unit. "We train the world's best C-130J combat airlifters to fly, fight and win," Holyfield said. "Although this award was a result of a total team effort, we couldn't have done it without the 314th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron."