FARGO, N.D. — In another unprecedented win, the North Dakota Air National Guard’s 119th Wing has again been named one of the best in the nation. The wing will be presented with the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at the North Dakota Air National Guard base in Fargo, N.D. It is the 14th time the unit has taken home the award, a nearly unheard of feat with other units earning an average of three to five such designations.
Each year, the 119th Wing competes with similar units across the nation for the distinction, and only four out of 31 units earn the honor annually.
The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award is presented to units that have made achievements of national or international significance, including successful involvement with combat and military operations or exposure to hostile actions by an opposing foreign force. Among the many accomplishments cited in the 119th Wing receiving the award for the 2010 fiscal year (October 2009 through September 2010) are its combat and support operations for Air Combat Command, Air Mobility Command and Air Force Global Strike Command. During 2010, 36 of North Dakota’s citizen-Airmen deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism, homeland defense missions and stateside emergency support. The 119th Wing also extended its exemplary flying record to more than 38 years encompassing 206,667 flying hours and 108,811 mishap-free sorties. Additionally, the 177th Airlift Squadron was named the 2009 Joint Operational Support Airlift Squadron of the Year while the Minot-based 219th Security Forces Squadron became the first unit to receive nuclear certification for securing Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles.
Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general, and Col. Rick Gibney, 119th Wing commander, will speak at Saturday’s ceremony, during which time a streamer will be placed on the unit flag to signify the accomplishment. All unit members will receive the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award ribbon to wear on their dress uniforms, as well, and the 14th such ribbon will be added to 119th Wing aircraft.
The 119th Wing earned the same honor in 1973, 1974, 1979, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010.
WHAT: Air Force Outstanding Unit Award presentation
WHEN: 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6
WHERE: North Dakota Air National Guard, 1400 32nd Ave. N., Fargo, N.D.
MEDIA: An escort will be available to bring media onto base at 2:45 p.m. Saturday. Call 701-451-2254 to confirm your attendance prior to 2:30 p.m.
| Date Taken: | 08.01.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 08.01.2011 11:07 |
| Story ID: | 74625 |
| Location: | FARGO, ND, US |
| Web Views: | 182 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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