Airborne ISR Operators receive the 2015 AFA Team of the Year award Published Feb. 23, 2015 By Airman 1st Class Ramon A. Adelan 9th Reconnaissance Wing public Affairs BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Air Force recently announced the Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Operators were selected as the 2015 Air Force Association Team of the Year. Beale's 306th Intelligence Squadron is the home to approximately 150 Airborne ISR Operators, who specialize as Tactical System Operators. The Air Force Association selects a specific enlisted career field for recognition each year. The selection board, chaired by the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, reviews all nominations and determines which Air Force Specialty earned the award. "Receiving this award is something our Airmen and all Airmen in the career field can truly appreciate," said Lt. Col Shaio Zerba, 306th IS commander. "The Air Force has recognized this career field at the highest level." The unit's primary mission is to train and provide TSOs to the MC-12W Liberty program to operate, evaluate, and manage airborne ISR information. In addition to training Airmen for the Liberty program, the unit trains airborne personnel who support other AF platforms. "It is an honor being a part of the Air Force Association Team of the Year," said Staff Sgt. Patrick. "The career has been very demanding. I've gone on three deployments since 2012, and to receive this recognition shows us all the major impact we've played in the ISR mission."