Aircrew Flight Equipment graduate is ACE award winner Published Oct. 30, 2012 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Airman Travis Tidwell received the ACE award Oct. 31st during a graduation ceremony for the 361st Training Squadron's Aircrew Flight Equipment apprentice course. The ACE award is the highest academic honor a student can receive and is earned for exceptional performance by maintaining a perfect 100% average through the entire course. During the aircrew flight equipment apprentice course, airmen are trained how to help aircrews and pilots prepare for flight operations. This includes learning how to ensure all flight equipment is in perfect working order - from flight helmets to oxygen masks. They are also responsible for ensuring all emergency safety equipment such as parachutes and survival kits are ready to go should they be needed. Tidwell, who hails from Montgomery, Ala., will be assigned to Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom after graduation.