AF Form 3648: Lt Gen Gordon A. Blake Aircraft Save Award – The Lt Gen Gordon A. Blake Aircraft Save Award recognizes exceptional contributions by air traffic controllers and airfield operations personnel who help prevent aircraft damage or loss during emergencies. Administered through the Air Force Flight Standards Agency (AFFSA), this prestigious honor highlights professionalism, quick thinking, and actions that go beyond normal duties to ensure safe recovery of imperiled aircraft.
Air Force personnel, especially those in airfield management (AM) and air traffic control (ATC), often seek details on AF Form 3648, the official certificate form tied to this award. This article covers the award’s history, eligibility criteria, nomination process, how to download and use AF Form 3648, and why it matters for safety and recognition in the U.S. Air Force.
Who Was Lt Gen Gordon A. Blake?
Lieutenant General Gordon Aylesworth Blake (1910–1997) was a highly decorated U.S. Air Force leader whose career exemplified courage and excellence in aviation operations. A West Point graduate (Class of 1931), Blake earned his pilot wings and transferred to the Army Air Corps. On December 7, 1941, as a major and base operations officer at Hickam Field, Hawaii, he played a critical role during the Pearl Harbor attack. He directed the safe landing of arriving B-17 bombers amid Japanese air raids, demonstrating composure under fire that saved aircraft and lives. For his actions that day, he received the Silver Star.
Blake’s career included command of the U.S. Air Force Security Service, service as Vice Commander in Chief of Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), and later Director of the National Security Agency (NSA) from 1962. The Aircraft Save Award program, which began recognizing achievements as early as 1957 and was formally named in his honor, perpetuates his legacy of professionalism in airfield and air traffic operations.
Purpose of the Lt Gen Gordon A. Blake Aircraft Save Award
This award honors U.S. Air Force air traffic controllers, airfield management personnel, and eligible others whose actions directly contribute to the safe recovery of an aircraft in distress—whether airborne or on the ground. It underscores the critical role of ATC and AM in aviation safety, where split-second decisions can prevent mishaps and save valuable assets and lives.
There are two related levels:
- Aircraft Save Award: For actions that clearly exceed normal duty requirements. The controller’s performance must be professional and leave no reasonable doubt that, without their intervention, probable damage or loss would have occurred.
- Aircraft Assist Award: For similar meritorious actions that do not necessarily go beyond routine duties but still aid in safe recovery.
If a nomination does not meet “Save” criteria, it is automatically considered for an “Assist.” Recipients receive a certificate, and units use AF Form 3648 to document and display awards permanently.
Eligibility for the Aircraft Save Award
Eligibility is broad within the airfield operations community:
- All U.S. Air Force air traffic controllers and airfield management personnel.
- Other military members or civilians performing ATC or AM duties in U.S. Air Force-operated facilities, augmented facilities, or Air National Guard (ANG) units.
The award stands separate from standard decorations under the broader Air Force Awards and Decorations Program, so recipients remain eligible for other honors.
Nomination Process and Required Documentation
Any person with knowledge of the actions (other than the nominee) can submit a nomination. The process typically includes:
- Prepare the nomination on AF Form 1206 (Nomination for Award). Limit the justification to two single-spaced pages in 12-point Times New Roman font.
- Provide a factual, detailed narrative of the incident. Include specific actions by each individual, avoiding generalities, local acronyms, or restatements of normal duties. Supply enough detail for a review board to evaluate the situation objectively.
- Include supporting evidence, such as timelines, communications logs, or witness statements, to demonstrate the impact on aircraft recovery.
Nominations go through the chain of command to the appropriate awards board. The Air Force Flight Standards Agency (AFFSA) conducts quarterly Lt Gen Gordon A. Blake Aircraft Save/Aircraft Assist Awards Boards.
AF Form 3648 itself serves as the official certificate and display record for approved “Save” awards. Units use it to permanently document and showcase all AF Forms 3649 (or equivalent individual certificates) received.
How to Download AF Form 3648?
The official AF Form 3648 – Lt Gen Gordon A. Blake Aircraft Save Award is available as a fillable PDF from the Air Force e-Publishing site:
→ Direct Download: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a3/form/af3648/af3648.pdf
This form includes sections for recipient details, a description of the aircraft save incident, and approval signatures. Always use the latest version from e-Publishing to ensure compliance with current standards. Check the Air Force Publications page or consult your unit’s forms manager for any updates.
Why This Award Matters for Air Force Safety Culture?
The Blake Aircraft Save Award reinforces a culture of excellence in airfield operations. With millions of annual aircraft operations across Air Force facilities worldwide, the expertise of ATC and AM personnel directly supports mission readiness and flight safety. Recognizing “saves” highlights best practices that can be shared across units, potentially preventing future incidents.
Past recipients include senior NCOs and controllers who managed in-flight emergencies, demonstrating calm professionalism that turned potential disasters into safe outcomes. These stories inspire newer generations in the 1C1X1 (Air Traffic Control) and related career fields.
Tips for a Strong Nomination
- Focus on measurable impact: How did the actions prevent damage?
- Be specific and factual — use precise timelines and technical details where appropriate.
- Highlight teamwork when multiple individuals contributed.
- Ensure the narrative shows actions beyond (or meeting) standard procedures.
For the most current guidance, refer to relevant Air Force instructions on airfield operations awards (historically covered in AFI 36-2807, with award processing now aligned under broader DAF awards policy in DAFMAN 36-2806 and DAFI 36-2803).
Conclusion: Honoring Excellence in Airfield Operations
The Lt Gen Gordon A. Blake Aircraft Save Award, documented via AF Form 3648, stands as a lasting tribute to those who safeguard Air Force aircraft and aircrews in critical moments. Whether you are preparing a nomination, documenting a unit award, or simply learning about Air Force recognition programs, understanding this award underscores the vital, often behind-the-scenes work of airfield operations professionals.
Download AF Form 3648 here: Official PDF
For questions on nominations or eligibility, consult your local awards and decorations office, MAJCOM functional manager, or the Air Force Flight Standards Agency. Honoring these achievements strengthens the entire force and upholds the high standards set by leaders like Lt Gen Gordon A. Blake.
This article is for informational purposes and draws from official Air Force sources and public records. Always verify the latest forms and instructions through official e-Publishing channels.