ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- When Senior Airman Trinity Welch was assigned to support the 11th Air Task Force for its inaugural deployment in July 2025, she was determined to do the best job she could as an emergency actions controller. She had only recently cross-trained into the field in 2023, serving as a security forces specialist previously. She never imagined she’d do such a great job that she’d be named Air Force Special Operations Command All-Domain Command and Control Airman of the Year.
"Winning this award reflects hard work not just by me, but by my supervisor, Staff Sgt. Malik Mclean, and the entire Command and Control team,” Welch said, crediting her success to teamwork and mentorship. “Even being new to the career field, there is work to be done and recognition to be earned, and I’m grateful to have won.”
Welch’s responsibilities as an emergency actions controller included drafting and submitting reports to higher headquarters so that Air Force leaders had up-to-date information to make decisions that can change the force or posturing for the area of responsibility—in this case, during the 11th ATF’s deployment, the Pacific. She uses a system called C2IMERA, which tracks agile combat employment teams and maintains accountability of personnel travelling to and from various locations within the AOR.
Welch competed against all 1C3s in her MAJCOM to earn the award. Her contributions to the 11th ATF's buildup and deployment were recognized by an NCO panel, securing the top spot and advancing her to compete at the Air Force level. She specifically thanked Mclean for his open-mindedness and support, stating she wouldn't have achieved this success without him. Furthermore, her efforts directly contributed to the 11th ATF A33 Command and Control Operations Team winning the Specialized C2 Node of the Year award.
Welch is from Cincinnati, Ohio, and enlisted in 2019, saying she joined the military to find new things outside of her hometown and set herself up for success. During her time deployed with the 11th ATF, she said she has significantly enhanced her mental resilience and adaptability, gained a new perspective, learned the value of seizing opportunities even when facing challenges, and learned to appreciate the present moment. Welch will promote to staff sergeant in a few months and said she plans to finish her bachelor’s in cybersecurity, with an ultimate goal of attending Officer Training School.
“Senior Airman Welch is an integral part of our team,” said Master Sgt. Allan Johnson, 11th ATF All-Domain Command and Control operations superintendent. “She is dependable, innovative and motivated. I believe she won Airman of the year because of her dedication to the team and mission and because she is willing to put in the work and is hungry for growth and development.”