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By 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. – The Tigers of the 37th Bomb Squadron roared into history when Gen. Anthony Cotton, U.S. Strategic Command commander, presented the unit with the 2022 Omaha Trophy for being the best strategic bomber squadron during a special event April 21, 2023, at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D.
The Omaha Trophy is awarded each year to military units with strategic bombers, intercontinental ballistic missiles, ballistic missile submarines, and strategic space and information operations.
“Strategic deterrence at its bedrock, at its foundation, is long-range strike,” said Cotton during a congratulatory speech as part of the presentation of the Omaha Trophy.
The award was created in 1971 by the Strategic Air Command Consultation Committee (SCC) and awarded to the command’s best wing. The SCC, an advisory group of Omaha business leaders, later became the Strategic Command Consultation Committee after the current USSTRATCOM’s activation in 1992. The Omaha Trophy is the highest honor bestowed upon a nuclear enterprise unit by a civilian organization.
This is the first time the 37th BS has won the award and is the first time Cotton has presented the award as the USSTRATCOM commander. This is the second time an Ellsworth unit has won the award. The 28th Bomb Wing was presented the trophy in 1989.
“It’s a great honor to be receiving the Omaha Trophy on behalf of our squadron, the 37th Bomb Squadron,” said Lt. Col. Christopher McConnell, commander of the 37th BS. “In the past year, we’ve executed B-1 missions across the globe and continue to prove our capabilities and the 28th Bomb Wing’s ability to provide long-range strike capabilities from deployed locations and from right here at Ellsworth.”
He added for the squadron to be recognized by the USSTRATCOM Consultation Committee as the best squadron at conducting strategic bomber operations for the past year, “… is truly a great honor and I’m proud that our Airmen’s contributions are being recognized for helping provide strategic deterrence against our adversaries and assuring our Allies and partner nations around the world.”
Ellsworth AFB is the world’s largest B-1 combat wing and home to two B-1 squadrons: the 37th BS Tigers and the 34th Bomb Squadron “Thunderbirds.” The base’s mission is to provide combat power for the nation… long range strike anytime, anywhere.