For their efforts, they were co-recipients with a 9th Military Airlift Squadron crew of the Mackay Trophy for the 1978 airlift operation. The 3rd proved itself and the C-5 by setting MAC records for departure reliability.
The 3rd unit and their C-5 aircraft were recognized for their exceptional performance during the 1978 airlift operation, earning them the Mackay Trophy alongside a crew from the 9th Military Airlift Squadron. The 3rd's reliability was demonstrated by setting new MAC records for departure efficiency.