LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Gen. John D.W. Corley, Air Combat Command commander, announced Aug. 27 that the 1st Fighter Wing is the recipient of the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for its accomplishments from June 1, 2006 to May 31, 2008.
"This award is a testament to the exceptional quality of Airmen we have here," said Brig. Gen. Mark Barrett, 1st Fighter Wing commander.
During the award period, the 1st Fighter Wing introduced a new era in air superiority as the first fully operational F-22 wing and participated in the first F-22 Air Expeditionary Force deployment with 12 F-22s, 5,000 pounds of cargo and 225 personnel successfully deploying overseas.
The 1st Fighter Wing set record response times during 1,234 Operation NOBLE EAGLE missions. Furthermore, wing personnel led the way in the Global War On Terror, eliminating 3,812 enemy personnel and seizing 258 high value targets, during the award period.
Since 2006, 1st Fighter Wing Airmen garnered 42 superior team and 318 superior performer awards, 45 "Outstanding" and 79 "Excellent" ratings in three higher headquarters inspections, including an overall "Excellent" rating in the first Operational Readiness Inspection since the arrival of the F-22.
"Our Airmen consistently perform above and beyond expectations," said General Barrett. "Every day the 1st Fighter Wing, along with the 192nd Fighter Wing and tenant units make the mission happen flawlessly, proving that we are truly America's first team."
The 1st Fighter Wing' s 25 subordinate organizations will share in receiving the award.
AFOUA's are awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units.
This is the eighth time the 1st Fighter Wing has received this award.