MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The Precision Strike
Association presented the prestigious William J. Perry award to James F. "Hondo"
Geurts, the Acquisition Executive at United States Special Operations Command,
March 15, 2016 in Springfield, Virginia.
Geurts was honored at the Precision Strike
Association Annual Review for his exceptional contributions to precision strike
systems while being responsible for all the organizations research, development,
acquisition, procurement, contracting and logistics.
In announcing his selection for the award, former
Secretary of Defense, William J. Perry, explained how Geurts led a USSOCOM
Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (AT&L) team that helped to “streamline
acquisition approaches which got these [precision strike weapons] systems into
the field when they were needed, where they were needed, and with great
effect.”
Geurts heads the AT&L directorate at USSOCOM and
is a critical decision-maker in determining what technologies and systems
Special Operations Forces use while operating around the world. The equipment
acquired through his leadership helps SOF achieve critical mission success in
both peaceful and multi-threat environments.
Speaking to the significance of the award, Geurts
explained, “I’m honored to accept this award not just for myself, but for the
entire team of SOF technologists and acquirers who are working tirelessly every
day to find and provide our force with the most advanced, effective and precise
weaponry. This speaks to the very heart of our task to help our nation win. The
professionals of SOF AT&L take this task seriously and the William J. Perry
Award is a symbol of their dedication to finding the technology that will help
our operators strike their targets the first time, every time.”
The Precision Strike Association’s Annual Review is a
coalition of military, government, academic and industrial subject matter
experts that meet to discuss advancing the art and science of precision
engagement concepts and future innovations. The award, named in honor of former
Secretary of Defense, Dr. William J. Perry, recognizes a recipient's
contributions which lead to the strengthening of national security by a direct
application of precision strike capabilities to a Department of Defense system
or enhance its wider applications to the industry.
To view former Secretary of Defense, William Perry’s
congratulations video, visit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1HG0vGp5bY