Fightin' Fifty-Fifth earns top-level award

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  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Air Combat Command recently announced its selection of the 55th Wing for the 2015 Meritorious Unit Award.

Among its achievements, the wing has had constant combat operations employment in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility for 24 years providing electronic attack, command and control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support.

"Your efforts impacted global contingency operations by providing the President of the United States and Combatant Commanders with unmatched electronic attack, command and control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, theater missile warning, worldwide treaty verification operations and agile combat support...an incredible feat," said U.S Air Force Col. Marty Reynolds, 55th WG commander. "Once again, your hard work, dedication and world-wide impact proves the sun never sets on the Fightin Fifty Fifth."

According to the Air Force Personnel Center, in March 2004, the secretary of the Air Force approved the Meritorious Unit Award to recognize organizations for outstanding achievement or service in direct support of combat operations.

The MUA is given to Air Force active duty, Reserve and Guard units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding achievement or service in direct support of combat operations for at least 90 continuous days during the period of military operations against an armed enemy of the United States on or after Sept. 11, 2001.

During the award period, from June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2015, the wing's RC-135s flew 218 missions, totaling 2,281 hours supporting Operations Enduring Freedom, Freedom Senitnel and Inherent Resolve.

Additionally, the wing earned the General Jerome F. O'Malley Award for the best Air Force airborne reconnaissance crew in 2015 for RC-135 CENTCOM operations and coordinated the first United Kingdom RC-135 Rivet Joint deployment which was key to an AOR surge and 17 percent increase in missions.

On top of it all, the 55th Wing deployed 1,400 tons of cargo, 3,000 personnel, and 75 airlift missions.

"This is an outstanding and well-deserved accomplishment," Reynold said. "I am proud of each and every one of you."