55th Wing selected for 2011 Meritorious Unit Award Published Aug. 2, 2011 By David R Hopper 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The Meritorious Unit Award recognizes Air Force active duty, reserve and guard units for exceptional service in direct support of combat operations against armed enemies of the United States after Sept. 11, 2001. On July 27, the 55th Wing was awarded the Meritorious Unit Award for its superb efforts during ongoing operations that took place from June 1, 2010, through May 31, 2011. "This award is the result of true team work across all six groups, the wing staff and our many partner units," said Col. William Jensen, 55th Wing vice commander. The 55th Wing simultaneously supported all six geographic combatant commands, as well as U.S. Strategic Command and U.S. Special Operations Command. The men and women of the 55th Wing enabled more than 17,000 operational missions in total with more than 107,000 flight hours in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, UNIFIED PROTECTOR, NEW DAWN and ODYSSEY DAWN. The 55th Wing also provided the aircraft to support Operation TOMODACHI which assessed the extent of Japan's nuclear reactor leak after the devastating earthquake that took place on March 11, 2011. Airmen who served at the 55th Wing during the award period are authorized to wear the ribbon. "55th Wing Airmen have received the Meritorious Unit Award seven times now - we've added yet another distinguished accolade to the proud heritage of this great wing," said Jensen.