49 FW awarded Meritorious Unit Award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sondra Escutia
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Gen. John D.W. Corley, commander of Air Combat Command, recently announced the 49th Fighter Wing received the Meritorious Unit Award for the period of April 30, 2008, to May 1, 2009.

"It is an honor to have such dynamic professionals as members of the Air Combat Command team," General Corley wrote in a letter to Col. Jeff Harrigian, 49th Fighter Wing commander. "It is a privilege to recognize such excellence."

The wing distinguished itself by "exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the United States in direct support of combat operations at Holloman Air Force Base" during said time period, according to the citation accompanying the award.

A few of the accomplishments of the 49th FW were cited to include "flawlessly" executing the Unmanned Aircraft System Squadron beddown and for implementing the chief of staff of the Air Force's Total Force Integration vision while exceeding the mission capability of the F-22A Raptor by 150 percent and the sortie utilization rate of 200 percent.

Additionally, the wing oversaw ACC's largest deployment commitment of 1.3 thousand unit type codes and more than 600 passengers with a less than four percent discrepancy rate -- the best rate in ACC.

"I want to personally thank the members of the wing for their professionalism during the beddowns of the F-22 and Unmanned Aircraft Systems, while also perfectly implementing the CSAF's Total Force Integration with the 44th Fighter Group," said Colonel Harrigian. "We have exceeded expectations with our F-22 team while also providing outstanding support to the UAS, allowing them to meet the SECDEF's goals.

The wing was also the pilot unit for one billion dollars in Basic Expeditionary Airfield Resources assets worldwide, developing 104 new unit type codes in 120 days, which exceeded the higher headquarters timeline by 60 days.

"The dedication and understanding of BEAR's professionals during the conversion to the BEAR Order of Battle was another crucial factor in the receipt of this award," the 49th FW commander said. "This was truly a team effort. The 'can-do' attitudes of all the members of Team Holloman, whether it be military or civilian, makes me proud to lead such an outstanding group."

Although this is the first time the 49th FW has won the Meritorious Unit Award, Ralph Jackson, 49th FW historian, said the wing has won the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award seven times in the past.

According to the Air Force Personnel Center, the MUA is given to Air Force 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."

For more information on the Meritorious Unit Award and for wear information, visit the official AFPC Web site at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=7784.