309th Missile Maintenance Group receives VPP Star Certification

  • Published
  • By Richard Essary
  • 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
The 309th Missile Maintenance Group at Hill Air Force Base has reached a remarkable milestone: the prestigious OSHA Voluntary Protection Program Star certification.

This accomplishment, however, is not merely the result of recent efforts; it represents a journey that began back in 2012, according to Col. Stephanie Wilson, 309th MMXG commander.

“The path to achieving the OSHA Voluntary Protection Program Star certification has been one of dedication, teamwork, and unwavering commitment,” Wilson said. “Our MMXG family has worked tirelessly to create a safer and healthier workplace, and this recognition is a testament to their excellence. We are incredibly proud of this achievement.”

Maj. Gen. Kenyon Bell, Ogden Air Logistics Complex commander, echoed Wilson’s sentiments and congratulated the 309th MMXG on its “well-deserved recognition.”

“I am truly pleased to congratulate each of you for achieving the OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program Star certification,” Bell said during a VPP Star recognition ceremony in late May. “This award is a prestigious recognition, a significant milestone, and one that speaks volumes about your dedication to a positive safety culture and your commitment to excellence.”

The VPP Star represents exemplary worksites across the United States, both in government and industry, with only 1 in 5,000 organizations or companies achieving this status.

These sites maintain comprehensive, successful safety and health management systems, resulting in injury and illness rates below the national average. Workers at VPP Star-certified workplaces are self-sufficient in controlling hazards in their work areas, ensuring a safer and healthier environment.

With this achievement, the 309th MMXG becomes one of two groups within Ogden Air Logistics Complex to earn this recognition. Notably, the 309th Electronic Maintenance Group was reapproved as an OSHA VPP Star participant in November 2023.

In addition, the 309 MMXG became one of only 55 sites in the entire Defense Department and a mere 14 in the Air Force to hold this distinction.

“Achieving the VPP Star is not just about compliance; it’s about embodying the spirit of excellence that defines the Air Force. Excellence is our standard, not just an achievement,” Bell said. “The Missile Maintenance Group’s achievement is a testament to their relentless commitment to safety and their role as a beacon of excellence within the Air Force community.”

The 309th Missile Maintenance Group provides depot-level maintenance and support to America's land-based Intercontinental Ballistic Missile force and to the Air Launched Cruise Missile force. The group plans and directs repair of ICBM operational ground equipment, transportation and handling equipment, reentry systems and unique support equipment.