Simply the best

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. James.R. Wilson
  • 919th SOW Public Affairs Office
DUKE FIELD, Fla. --  The 919th Special Operations Wing has been awarded the prestigious Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for exceptionally meritorious service from Oct. 1, 2012 to Sept. 30, 2014.

The wing earned the award for sustained support to combat operations around the globe as well as vital humanitarian missions and community outreach efforts throughout the Emerald Coast.

"Members of these organizations should be extremely proud of their many achievements and contributions resulting in these prestigious awards," said Lt. Gen. James F. Jackson, chief of the Air Force Reserve and commander, Air Force Reserve Command, in a congratulatory letter to the wing.

During this period, members of the unit decommissioned eight MC-130E aircraft completing 18 years of support to Air Force Special Operations Command in the Combat Talon 1. It also stood up a new combat aviation advisor mission partnering with the Air Force Special Operations Warfare Center to provide a unique team of experienced warfighters who specialize in training foreign military units against the threat of insurgency.

Members of the 919th SOW flawlessly executed 12,000 flight hours in multiple weapons systems significantly enhancing the Air Force's agile combat support and precision strike capabilities.  

When the wing isn't busy carrying out combat operations overseas they're spending countless hours back at home station training for any situation.

This is the 18th time since 1971 that the wing has earned the Outstanding Unit Award making it one of the most decorated units in the Air Force Reserve.

Leadership of the unit expressed gratitude for the dedication members have shown over the years to support the nation's defense.

"I am extremely proud of your hard work and professionalism in spite of the constraints and obstacles that come with serving in today's environment," said Col. James Phillips, 919th SOW commander.  "This award reflects a level of excellence that has become a hallmark for the 919th and is in large measure why this unit is among the very best in the Air Force Reserve. Thank you for your efforts on behalf of your country and for your service; I am proud to serve alongside you."

The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award was created to honor units that perform exceptionally meritorious service, accomplish specific acts of outstanding achievement and excel in either combat or humanitarian relief operations. It is one of the highest awards a unit can receive for organizational excellence.