Air Force Special Operations Command presented MSgt. David Halvorson a Bronze Star for his work in Southwest Asia as maintenance production superintendent for MH-53 Pave Low helicopters. Halvorson led 56 airmen from 11 career fields to maintain the four MH-53s, at one point operating from the back of a truck during threat of mortar and rocket attack to get the Pave Lows ready to pursue high-value targets. Halovorson’s efforts led to a 100 percent launch rate for 15 high-priority missions, culminating in capture of 15 Iraqi insurgents and terrorists.
Air Force depots are not typically meant for quick repair jobs, but during Operation Epic Fury, the service moved some of its stateside heavy maintenance capability forward to fix battle-damaged aircraft closer to the fight.
