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20th Fighter Wing earns Meritorious Unit Award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class BrieAnna Stillman
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The 20th Fighter Wing was awarded the Air Force Meritorious Unit Award for outstanding service to the United States in direct support of the U.S. Air Force Central Command objectives from June 1, 2015, to May 31, 2016.

The Meritorious Unit Award is presented to active duty, Reserve and Guard units for exceptional conduct and outstanding achievement in direct support of combat operations for at least 90 consecutive days during a period of military operations against an armed enemy of the United States on or after Sept. 11, 2001.

"This is a well-deserved award because it was a total team effort,” said Senior Master Sgt. Larry Tate, 20th FW commander's action group superintendent. “We built nations, forged coalition bonds, liberated and protected over 10,000 people while taking the fight to the enemy. You can't do that without operators planning and flying missions, maintainers fixing and delivering capable aircraft, the mission support group sustaining and protecting the base, and the medical group providing top-notch health care."

The 20th FW deployed 12 F-16CM Fighting Falcons, flying more than 1,600 combat sorties while delivering continuous air support to numerous coalition operations. The wing also led the offensive during the Sinjar liberation effort, annihilating Daesh supply routes while simultaneously protecting approximately 7,300 Kurdish and Yezidi ground forces.

Additionally aviators assigned to the 20th FW provided air coverage for a high-risk hostage rescue supporting an international coalition of special operations warfighters, which resulted in the successful rescue of all 70 hostages.

Wing Airmen spearheaded battles over Ramadi and Salahuddin, Iraq, which allowed over 500,000 civilians to reclaim their homes. Airmen also helped lead a 28-country coalition to success during their deployment, resulting in the successful eradication of nearly 4,000 enemy combatants.



“I am very proud of the dedication and hard work 20th FW Airmen exhibit every day and the achievements they have earned as a result,” said Col. Daniel Lasica, 20th FW commander. “The 20th FW had an impressive year and we will continue to provide combat-ready Airmen and F-16 air power for any challenge, anytime, anywhere.”

Congratulations to the 20th FW for earning the Meritorious Unit Award and consistently staying ready to fly, fight and win, enabling the U.S. Air Force to maintain its global reputation as number one in air, space and cyberspace.