Andersen Air Force Base, Guam -- U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Travis Javier, the non commissioned officer in charge of programs with the 36th Maintenance Squadron, was recognized as the 36th Wing’s Team Andersen Linebacker of the Week, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 7, 2022.

The Team Andersen Linebacker of the Week recognizes outstanding enlisted, officer, civilian and total force personnel who have had an impact on achieving Team Andersen’s mission, vision and priorities.

After arriving at Andersen AFB, Javier started out as an aircraft structural maintenance craftsman where he oversaw seven new Airmen. He took the initiative and developed a training device to ensure more than 200 core tasks were conducted for on-the-job training. Additionally, he deployed with the 4th Reconnaissance Squadron as the fabrication lead where he created blueprints for a global positioning system repeater mount to facilitate further missions and improve payload checks for the drones, averting 120 contracted man-hours.

His attention to detail led to his transition to the NCOIC of programs for the squadron. He hit the ground running by clearing a three year wing safety shortfall by revamping the unit's Polaris training program. He spearheaded the unit fitness program as the post-COVID testing resumed, hosting run clinics as well as organized fitness three times a week which led to a 98% pass rate within the squadron.

Javier’s supervisor, Master Sgt. Jerrad Cruz, the flight chief with the 36 MXS, explained that Javier's work ethic and ample unit involvement sets the tone for his peers and subordinates to mirror. He consistently demonstrates the importance of supporting each other. Javier upholds the phrase “leave it better than you found it” by promoting and facilitating squadron moral events. As well as encouraging others to vocalize the issues they see and present solutions so we build a better Andersen AFB one brick at a time.

“Staff Sgt. Javier is one of our strongest assets and his work ethic has helped improve readiness and our squadron's facilities,” said Master Sgt. Jerrad Cruz, flight chief with the 36 MXS.

The term Linebacker is rooted deep within Team Andersen’s history. Operation Linebacker II took place on Dec. 18, 1972, and was the largest number of heavy bomber strikes launched by the U.S. Air Force since the end of World War II. During the operation, B-52s from Andersen flew round-the-clock bombing missions over North Vietnam to destroy major targets in Hanoi and Haiphong in an effort to bring the Democratic Republic of Vietnam back to negotiations.

The recipient will have the opportunity to sign a “Linebacker” football jersey that will be displayed in the Wing Headquarters building.

Way to go, Javier!

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