AFMC Command News

Air control wing receives Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

  • Published
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The only Air Force unit operating the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System has been awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

The 116th Air Control Wing distinguished itself through exceptionally meritorious service from Aug. 31, 2004 to May 31, 2006.

The unit is receiving the award for continued and unprecedented advancement as the only blended, total force wing in the United States Air Force; for consistently deploying above global military force presence surge rates; for providing over 7,350 combat flying hours and 700-plus sorties for Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and for totally immersing in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts -- rapidly deploying 156 personnel to the distressed region.

Col. James Jones, commander of the 116th Air Control Wing, said he is extremely proud of the combined accomplishments of the Active Duty, Air National Guard and civilian employees that make up this unique wing.

"The men and women of the 116th have made extraordinary contributions to the Global War on Terrorism," Colonel Jones said. "Receipt of this award helps validate what I am fortunate enough to see every day -- that the members of the 116th Air Control Wing are truly outstanding professionals leading the way in the total force transformation effort."

"In the Air Force, only a handful of Air National Guard organizations nationwide receive this honor," said Maj. Gen. Scott Hammond, Commander of the Georgia Air National Guard. "I congratulate the men and women in the unit for this singularly distinctive honor."

"The award acknowledges those truly exceptional units in the Air Force that perform at the very top of their respective field," said Lt. Gen. David Poythress, the adjutant general for Georgia. "I share with General Hammond and the entire Georgia Air National Guard in the justifiable pride of this unique accomplishment."

This is the 13th Outstanding Unit Award the 116th has won overall. It is the second since the wing became the first total force wing, blending active duty and Air National Guard members in October 2002.

(Courtesy of 116th ACW Public Affairs)