The 341st Space Wing at Malmstrom AFB, Mont., garnered the Blanchard Trophy for best Intercontinental Ballistic Missile space wing. The 45th Space Wing at Patrick AFB, Fla., won the Schriever Trophy for best space launch wing. The 21st SW located here captured the Aldridge Trophy for the best space operations wing.

"We have the best space and missile professionals in the world," said General Kevin P. Chilton, AFSPC commander. "Our training, education, technology and the willingness to meet any challenge make us the world's best Space Force."

Other awards included space communications, missile maintenance, spacelift launch group and best security forces team.

Since April, competitions held at various bases throughout the command tested more than 150 space professionals in space communications; missile maintenance; spacelift launch; and operations. Security forces members competed here Aug. 14 to 16 for Best Security Forces Team honors.

The competition assesses Air Force Space Command's mission readiness as teams from throughout the command challenge each other to determine which unit is the best of the best in their respective fields in order to further hone their mission effectiveness.

This year's competing units included the 21st SW with the Royal Air Force Fylingdales, United Kingdom, the 30th SW, Vandenberg AFB, Calif.; the 45th SW, Patrick AFB, Fla.; the 50th SW and 310th Space Group, Schriever AFB, Colo.; the 90th SW, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.; the 91st SW, Minot, N.D.; the 341st SW, Malmstrom AFB, Mont.; the 460th Air Base Wing, Buckley AFB, Colo.; and the Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles AFB, Calif.

Guardian Challenge is hosted by Air Force Space Command. Created Sept. 1, 1982, AFSPC is a major command headquartered here. AFSPC defends North America through the development, acquisition and operation of the Air Force's space and missile systems.

The command oversees a global network of satellite command and control, communications, missile warning and launch facilities, and ensures the combat readiness of America's intercontinental ballistic missile force and comprises more than 39,000 people, including 25,000 active-duty military and civilians and 13,700 contractor employees.

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Air Force Space Command