380th AEW awarded AF Meritorious Unit Award

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Kentavist Brackin | Chief Master Sgt. Charles Mills, 380th Air Expeditionary Wing command chief, places a streamer on the 380th’s guidon in recognition of the unit receiving the Meritorious Unit Award during a ceremony at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Jan. 18, 2016. The award recognizes the contributions of the team deployed here from July 2014 until June 2015, during which 380 AEW Airmen flew more than 13,200 combat sorties in support of Operations Inherent Resolve, Enduring Freedom, Freedom’s Sentinel and Resolute Support. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kentavist P. Brackin/Released)  

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01.18.2016

Story by Staff Sgt. Kentavist Brackin 

380th Air Expeditionary Wing

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION - The 380th Air Expeditionary Wing received the Meritorious Unit Award for outstanding service and support of combat operations during a ceremony at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Jan. 18.

The award recognizes 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 U.S. on or after Sept. 11, 2001. Units must display superior performance of difficult tasks that set it apart from other units with similar missions.

“The 380th has been leading by example since it was founded in 1942, and this award is evidence that our pursuit of excellence continues,” said Brig. Gen. Daniel Orcutt, the 380th AEW commander. “This particular award was earned by the team deployed here from July 2014 until June 2015, and they deserve the accolades. Congratulations, team!"

The 380th is home to more than 3,000 service members and is comprised of four groups and 15 squadrons. Its mission partners include an Army air defense battalion and a Navy aerial maritime surveillance detachment.

During the award period, 380 AEW Airmen flew over 13,200 combat sorties in support of Operations Inherent Resolve, Enduring Freedom, Freedom’s Sentinel and Resolute Support. They employed more than 4,700 weapons in order to degrade and destroy the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant war-making capabilities. They identified over 240,000 intelligence targets, provide 310 million pounds of fuel and controlled all air traffic in the Central Command area of responsibility.

Additionally, as combat operations moved into Syria, the 380th led initial strikes, synchronizing five valuable coalition partners, six strike platforms and showcased the first combat employment of the F-22 Raptor.

Furthermore, they destroyed more than 600 facilities and approximately 1,550 enemy positions in support of Iraqi forces near Mosul, Kobane and Haditha.

Finally, the wing secured host nation funding for a 384 million dollar base construction project, which paved the way for an enduring presence here.

“I see the same dedication every day in the faces of every joint and coalition organization which makes up the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing,” Gen Orcutt said. “From our medical experts who optimize human performance, to our maintainers who keep the aircraft flying, to our operators who execute the mission and to the mission support group that keep our mini city safely running-it takes everyone on the team to deliver decisive airpower. I think you are phenomenal and I'm proud to work alongside you.”

Members assigned to the 380 AEW can verify their records have been updated by going to the Virtual Military Personnel Flight via the Air Force Portal.

• Date Taken: 01.18.2016
• Date Posted: 01.25.2016 08:54
• Story ID: 186937
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)