LANGLEY AFB, VA. –
Several units on Langley received good news Oct. 18 when a message was sent out recognizing their hard work with Air Force-level awards.
1st Fighter Wing
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
The number seven is now lucky for members of the 1st Fighter Wing, as this is the wing's seventh nomination for the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. The last time the wing was selected with the AFOUA was in 2001.
During the 1st FW's award period, which dates from June 1, 2004, to May 31, 2006, the unit accomplished some major feats.
According to the award nomination package, simply put, the 1st FW has had a substantial number of "firsts" and "first places," ranging from its selection as first operational wing to convert to the F-22 and reach initial operating capability, to a first-place fitness center, which was one of only 20 Air Force bases to earn a five-star fitness rating.
In addition to several Raptor firsts, including the first operational stateside and overseas deployments, the wing also took top honors in other areas: the 71st Fighter Squadron won the 2006 Raytheon Award, the 1st Logistics Readiness Squadron won the 2004 Daedalian Award and Langley's Fire Department took first in Air Combat Command and second place in the Air Force.
Although the wing was on an operational roll, the 1st FW didn't forget about quality-of-life improvements, including new dormitories, a renovated Eaglewood Golf Course and a base gate reconstruction plan.
Higher headquarters also approved funding to renovate several other base facilities including the marina, movie theater, enlisted club and temporary living facilities.
Whether improving life on Langley or maintaining the operations tempo, the 1st FW has proven its merit.
"This award is a testament to the wing's hard work and dedication," said Brig. Gen. Burton Field, 1st FW commander. "I couldn't be more proud of the men, women and families of the 1st Fighter Wing. Everyone plays an integral part in the mission, and the mission couldn't be accomplished without them."
480th Intelligence Wing
Meritorious Unit Award
Members of the 480th Intelligence Wing also distinguished themselves by earning the Meritorious Unit Award from June 1, 2004, to May 31, 2004.
According to the award citation, the 480th directly supported combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan using the reach-back distributed common ground system processing, exploitation and dissemination operations for U-2 Predator and Global Hawk intelligence. As a result, wing analysts provided relevant and timely imagery for more than 3,250 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
And they accomplished it all from Langley.
"The 480th troops are in the fight every day," said Col. Judy Chizek, 480th Intelligence Wing commander. "The only difference is they're based at home station instead of a forward deployed location."
Not only did analysts provide imagery for the Air Force, but they also provided information to Marine, Army, and Special Operation forces on land and in the air. This intelligence led to the capture of key insurgent leaders, the protection of coalition convoys, the elimination of terrorist safehouses and also helped coalition forces win the battle for Fallujah.
Colonel Chizek said it was an honor to be selected for the award.
"I'm very grateful to the Air Force for this award, which recognizes all of the contributions the wing has made to the Global War on Terror," she said.
Air and Space Expeditionary Force Center
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award
The Air and Space Expeditionary Force Center was awarded the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award for their efforts from June 1, 2005, to May 31, 2006.
During this time, the center managed the successful deployment of more than 140,000 members during four AEF rotations.
The AEF center was also instrumental during Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, where AEFC members worked directly with 1st Air Force to determine required resources, according to the award citation. The AEFC's contributions during Joint Task Force-Katrina helped ensure more than 5,500 people were rescued and more than 2,500 people were evacuated.
"We have come a long way changing the way we support the warfighter," said Col. Brian Kelly, AEFC commander. "The AEF has become a fundamental pillar of our Air Force and the standard for deploying forces. This award recognizes the dedication, initiative and hard work of the men and women of the AEFC. They are truly committed to the deploying members and meeting the needs of combatant commanders," Colonel Kelly said.