The U.S. Air Force has recognized the RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft program for most improved performance in aircraft maintenance and logistics readiness.

The award presented to Northrop Grumman, the prime contractor for the Global Hawk, was the James G. Roche Sustainment Excellence Award.

It was the third year in a row that Northrop and the program were so recognized by the service.

"Winning the Roche award for the third year in a row is an incredible achievement for the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center," said Mick Jaggers, Global Hawk Unmanned Aircraft System program director, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. "Northrop Grumman is proud to partner with the Air Force in providing unmatched logistical and maintenance support.

"The Roche award is significant because it focuses solely on the numbers. When it comes to sustainment, the Global Hawk has consistently ranked the best in the Air Force inventory."

The winner of the annual award is determined on factors such as high total aircraft availability, mission capability and low non-mission capability rates for maintenance and supply. It is given by Headquarters, U.S. Air Force Logistics, Installations and Mission Support, and is named for Dr. James G. Roche, the 20th Secretary of the Air Force.

Global Hawk has flown 150,000 total flight hours in support of anti-terrorism, anti-piracy, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, airborne communications and information-sharing missions.