49th Wing receives Meritorious Unit Award

  • Published
  • By the 49th Wing Public Affairs Office
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The 49th Wing has received the Meritorious Unit Award for its superb actions during the period of April 1, 2010 through May 31, 2011.

"The Air Force has rewarded all our Airmen's hard work," said U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Huyck, 49th WG vice commander. "I'm proud to be part of such an outstanding group."

According to the citation accompanying the award, the wing distinguished itself by "exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the United States in direct support of combat operations" during said time period.

A few of the accomplishments of the 49th WG were cited, to include the wing leading the construction of Forward Operating Base Ramrod, which enabled the coalition to gain a foothold in a former Taliban hub.

Additionally, remotely piloted aircraft crews deployed from Holloman to aid in the capture of Somali pirates and the neutralization of Taliban insurgents.

"Team Holloman's operations play a crucial role in the defense of our nation," said Huyck. "That's what makes this award so special, because it takes a true team effort and a 'can-do' attitude to get the mission accomplished each and every day."

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 website at http://www.afpc.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=7784.