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Wing earns outstanding unit award

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  • 55th Wing

Air Combat Command recently announced the 55th Wing as a recipient of the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the time period of June 1, 2015 - May 31, 2016.

 

The OUA is awarded to units for exceptionally meritorious service, accomplishes specific acts of outstanding achievement, excels in combat operations against an armed enemy of the United States, or conducts with distinct military operations involving conflict with, or exposure to, a hostile action by any opposing foreign force.

 

"This award is a direct reflection on everyone in the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth," said Col. Mary Reynolds, 55th Wing commander. "Through their hard work and dedication, we were able to accomplish our mission, support our people and take pride in our support to combatant commanders around the world."

 

During this time, the wing surpassed 25 continuous years of operating in the U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility and supported every major Department of Defense mission around the world.

 

Overall, all seven of the 55th Wing's aircraft variants answered its nation's call when needed over this twelve month stretch.

 

. RC-135V/W Rivet Joint crews flew 489 missions in support of six combatant commanders

. EC-130H Compass Crews flew 522 missions in two AORs

. RC-135S Cobra Ball crews executed 95 missions for four combatant commanders

. RC-135U Combat Sent crews flew 112 high-priority missions

. WC-135W Constant Phoenix crews generated 14 high-interest missions

. OC-135B Open Skies crews conducted eight missions over Russia, Ukraine and Italy

. E-4B crews surpassed 40 years of continuously alert

 

In addition to operations, the 55th Communications Group ensured the unit became the largest wing to ever pass a Command Cyber Readiness Inspection while the 55th Dental Squadron and 55th Force Support Squadron were named best in ACC.

 

"I'm continuously blown away by what our Airmen are doing on a daily basis here at the 55th Wing," said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Morris, 55th Wing command chief. "It's an honor to serve alongside them and this award is certainly deserved."

 

Anyone who served in the 55th Wing during this time period can now wear OUA ribbon and their records should be updated to reflect the award.