TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Maj. Joshua S. Park, an intelligence officer assigned to the 349th Operations Support Squadron here, was named the 2021 Pacific Air Forces Outstanding Air Reserve Component Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Field Grade Officer of the Year.
Park, who has been assigned to the 349th OSS since 2013, has provided large-scale joint exercise planning support to PACAF at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, since December 2020. While trips to Hawaii are synonymous with relaxation, the Reservist has made the most of his temporary duty assignment.
“The intelligence career field is extremely diverse with many different missions and specialties, and I always encourage my folks to get out and participate in COCOM exercises and MPA tours to see all the exciting things ‘intel’ does,” said Lt. Col. Joseph R. Palacio, 349th OSS senior intelligence officer. “As a result, we have established a stronger team that’s built on a broad array of experience, and Maj. Park is a great example of this. He has represented the 349th AMW well, and we’re definitely proud of him!”
Each year, the Air Force honors outstanding performance in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions and exceptional contributions to the field of ISR through the United States Air Force Warfare Center Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Award Program.
On winning the coveted award, Park said being recognized by PACAF is a tremendous honor.
“However, I see it in the bigger picture as a testament to the strength of the 349th Air Mobility Wing Citizen Airmen. We are able to bring perspectives and approaches that help our active duty counterparts tackle difficult operational and tactical problem sets during joint exercises and contingency operations. I’m grateful to be recognized with this award but even more grateful to be a part of the superb Intel team that Lt. Col. Palacio has developed and led over the past seven years.”
The program enhances existing Air Force, organization, and intelligence community recognition programs by distinguishing the “best of the best” ISR members and units operating across the globe, and recognizes ISR Airmen for their individual contributions to Air Force ISR missions. The awards are separated for active duty, Reserve, Air National Guard Airmen, and civilians.