7th Bomb Wing awarded Meritorious Unit Award

  • Published
  • By Airman Charles V. Rivezzo
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 7th Bomb Wing was presented the Meritorious Unit Award during an award ceremony at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Aug. 2.

This award is given to units that show exceptional meritorious conduct in direct support of combat operations for at least 90 continuous days.

"This award is highly competitive and by no means a 'given' for any unit to receive," said Col. David Been, 7 BW commander. "It isn't awarded for doing a satisfactory job or for simply accomplishing our mission. We won this award because of the difference each and every member of the 7th Bomb Wing makes around the world. Our leaders at Headquarters Air Combat Command and Headquarters Air Force recognize those efforts."

The wing earned the award in recognition of their superior accomplishments from June 2010 to May 2011.

According to the award citation, 7th BW Airmen contributed to executing 567 combat missions, employing 600,000 pounds of kinetic energy against Taliban forces and destroying 391 targets in support of 237 troops in contact with enemy forces.

Additionally, command and control support provided by the 7th BW enabled the 317th Airlift Group to successfully transport 30,691 tons of cargo in support of 8,634 Operation Iraqi Freedom missions.

Furthermore, in recognition of its aircraft maintenance and operations squadron teamwork, the wing captured the highly coveted Air Combat Command Chief of Staff Team Excellence Award for 2011.

Solidifying its place as the premier bomber wing in the Air Force, the wing captured honors for Best Bomber Maintenance, Best Bomber Munitions Maintenance and topped 21 squadrons to sweep all three trophies during the 2010 Global Strike Challenge.

"The professionalism and dedication to duty demonstrated by the members of the 7th Bomb Wing reflects the efforts of a team that truly prides themselves in integrity, service and a whole lot of excellence," Been said.

Members assigned to the group from June 2010 to May 2011 are authorized to wear the MUA ribbon for supporting Overseas Contingency Operations.