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20th FW awarded ACC Meritorious Unit Award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jonathan Bass
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The 20th Fighter Wing was awarded yet another accolade to add to their growing collection Aug. 19.

The wing received the 2013 Air Combat Command Meritorious Unit Award, which is a commendation awarded only to the top six units in the command each year. The announcement came down from ACC headquarters from the office of U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Hostage, ACC commander.

"This award is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in direct support of combat operations for at least 90 days against an armed enemy of the United States on or after Sept 11, 2001," said U.S. Air Force Col. Clay Hall, 20th FW commander. "I am proud of the contributions of all of our Airmen."

During the award period the wing deployed 18 F-16 Fighting Falcons and 255 Airmen to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. While there, the unit flew more than 2,800 combat flights and supported 85 "Troops-In-Contact" events with the resulting destruction of numerous weapons caches, 35 roadside bombs and the elimination of 118 enemy combatants.

"The Airmen of the 20th Fighter Wing should be proud of themselves," said Hall, "Our success during combat operations is a product of the entire wing's dedication and commitment to excellence. It's awesome to watch the 20th Fighter Wing in action."

During the same period, the 20th FW also deployed 24 F-16 Fighting Falcons and 373 Airmen to the Republic of Korea in support of United States Pacific Command. The operations tempo of the wing is consistently high and the 20th FW currently has more than 600 Airmen from 143 Air Force Specialty Codes deployed to 17 countries across the globe.

"It takes a total wing effort to generate combat ready Airpower and Airmen, get them out the door, execute the mission with discipline and precision, and then re-deploy them back home" said Hall. "It's a total team effort, it doesn't matter if someone actually deployed or not; everyone played a role in the preparation of those who did deploy. The excellence down range is a product of the entire wing, and we all should feel a level of pride in that."

Throughout the award period the wing won more than 80 Headquarters Air Force, Major Command and Numbered Air Force awards that contributed to the 2013 ACC MUA. The award nomination consisted of 40 lines of specific accomplishments for the 20th FW to include executing the first no-notice ACC Operational Readiness Inspection in seven years, with flawless results.

The 20th Operations and Maintenance Groups were not only successful downrange, but at home station as well. The wing flew 506 hours under Operation NOBLE EAGLE, including securing the National Capital Region in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. The 55th Fighter Squadron was named the best counter-air squadron in ACC, earning the Raytheon Trophy in 2012. The 20 FW was the lead Wing for the largest Red Flag Exercise in 2013, leading advanced combat training for 65 units and 3,300 people from three nations. The U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander deemed the exercise the "most integrated Red Flag ever."

The 20th Medical Group contributed to the ACC MUA after being rated "Excellent" by the AF Inspector General during a Health Services Inspection. The medics were noted as having 91 best practices and earned a three-year accreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.

The 20th MDG also managed the Self-Aid Buddy Care program maximizing medical skills training for 36 Shaw and Air Force Central Command units resulting in a number-one rating among ACC bases, said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Latisha Bright, the 20th MDG executive assistant.

The 20th Mission Support Group played a large role in the overall accomplishments of the wing and boasted the ACC benchmark for Combat Operations Readiness Training and vehicle licensing after 16 convoy training drills cut processing time by an astounding 66 percent. The group also leveraged combat experience to revamp Military Working Dog deployment training to mirror OEF tactics, techniques and procedures.

"The 20th MSG is the foundation of Team Shaw's success in organizing, training, and equipping combat ready Airpower and Airmen," said Lt. Col. Joseph Rodriguez, the 20th MSG deputy commander. "More than 1,200 Airmen across six unique squadrons provide critical logistics, contracting, force support, security, civil engineering and communications to a base population that is home to the largest F-16 combat fighter wing in the Air Force as well as three major commands of Ninth Air Force, U.S. Air Forces Central and Third Army/U.S. Army Central command. From maintaining our base infrastructure to processing cargo for deployments, from providing quality of life programs to contracting support, from internet to base defense, the 20th MSG stands ready to project the power of Airmen anytime, anywhere."

The wing was previously awarded the ACC Meritorious Unit Award from the periods of: June 1, 2011 - May 31, 2012; June 1, 2009- May 31, 2011 and June 1, 2007-May 31, 2009 for its commitment to excellence both at home and downrange.

"We (20th FW) have been executing at a very high level for a long time," said Hall. "This award is testament that we are not letting up, and that our Airmen are fully committed to our mission and our core values. I'm very proud to be associated with 20 FW and excited about the future as we continue to focus on our readiness, compliance and taking care of Airmen and their families. The 20th FW is well known for its combat prowess, we have a proud tradition and it's great to be part of a winning team," Hall added.