A contracting specialist with the 772nd Enterprise Sourcing Squadron at JBSA-Lackland, Tex., SrA. Steven C. Hedgepeth is one of the Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2013. Hedgepeth was selected below-the-zone as senior airman for cumulative actions that included providing upgrade training and direct contracting support to the Air Force Civil Engineer Center for construction requirements to support operations in Afghanistan. Over one year, he executed 278 contract actions covering three contingencies and touching six countries. He also cleared $5.7 million in contractor claims. He supported a $2 million electrical systems upgrade contract for Kabul International Airport in Afghanistan. He also revamped the Afghan Air Force headquarters project, rectifying a four-week delay and recouping $5 million. During a volunteer 83-day temporary duty at Offutt AFB, Neb., he completed 264 contract actions for the Defense Department and other federal agency customers. Hedgepeth’s home of record is Sioux Falls, S.D.
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…