News

116th ACW earns AF outstanding unit award

  • Published
  • By Holly L. Birchfield
  • 78th ABW PA
Robins Air Force Base, Ga --  The 116th Air Control Wing knows how to make hard work look easy.

The unit recently earned its 14th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the 116th ACW's third such accolade since it became the first blended unit with active-duty and Air National Guard members in October 2002.

Maj. Gen. Scott Hammond, Georgia Air National Guard commander, presented the wing with its award at the wing's multi-purpose hangar July 10.

General Hammond said the honor is rare among such units.

"In the Air Force, only a handful of ANG organizations nationwide receive this honor," he said. "I congratulate the men and women in the unit for this singularly distinctive honor."

The 116th ACW stands alone in its operation of the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, one of the most advanced

airborne ground surveillance and battle management system in the world.

The unit set itself apart by providing continued and unprecedented advancement as the only blended total force wing in the U.S Air Force, consistently deploying above Global Military Force Presence surge rates.

Joint STARS aircraft and crews assisted in multiple raids in Baghdad, supporting the 101st Calvary's largest air assault since Vietnam, allowing them to destroy enemy mortar encampments.

Surveillance during Operation Varsity March resulted in the capture of the number one and number four high value individuals on the 'Anti-Iraq Forces' Most Wanted List.

The wing clocked more than 9,500 combat flying hours and flew more than 850 sorties for operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

Chief Master Sgt. Donald Camp, 116th ACW command chief, said the award reflects how the wing puts its heart and soul into the mission.

"This award recognizes the dedication and professionalism of all of the members of the wing," he said. "As the command chief, I can tell you first hand the members have worked hard to garner this award and it is well deserved."

Chief Camp has been with the wing for 34 years and has been a part of all 14 Oustanding Unit awards.

Brig. Gen. Thomas Moore, 116th ACW commander, said he's proud to lead such an outstanding group of professionals.

"The men and women of the 116th have made extraordinary contributions to the global war on terrorism," he said. "I'm extremely proud of the combined accomplishments of the active-duty Air Force, Army, Air National Guard, and civilian employees as well as their families that make up this unique wing."