Congratulations to Major John Hourigan on being awarded the Koren Kolligian Trophy for saving the lives of his C-130 crew during a training mission in 2016. During the flight the C-130 started vibrating so violently that the pilots were unable to read the instruments and communicate with each other via the headsets.
Major Hourigan quickly determined the source of vibration, implemented corrective action and executed an engine-out landing.
“The fact that the crew is here today is remarkable,” said Wilson. “It took extraordinary skill, experience and dedication. This is a fantastic award for a remarkable aviator who well deserves this award.”
Hourigan, who’s assigned to the 123rd Operations Support Squadron, Kentucky National Guard, identified that one of the four propellers had become a speed brake while the aircraft was low to the ground at a high-bank angle.
“This was absolutely the first time I’ve ever been scared in the airplane,” the guardsman continued. During the ceremony, Hourigan took a moment to recognize his team and stated it takes a whole crew to bring a C-130 home safely.
“I have been fortunate to be a part of the Kentucky National Guard,” he said. – US Air Force
Established in 1958, the Koren Kolligian Trophy honors 1st Lt. Koren Kolligian Jr, an Air Force pilot who went missing while flying a T-33 off the coast of California in 1955.
The award ‘recognizes aircrew members who, through extraordinary skill, exceptional alertness, ingenuity, or proficiency, averted accidents or minimized the seriousness of accidents in terms of injury, loss of life, aircraft damage or property damage.’
Featured image of Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen Wilson presenting the Koren Kolligian Trophy to Major John Hourigan, a 123rd Operations Support Squadron C-130 Hercules pilot at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., May 17, 2017by Andy Morataya, US Air force
