18th Wing earns Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

18th Wing Public Affairs
Story by Airman 1st Class Zade Vadnais

Date: 03.19.2014
Posted: 03.19.2014 02:56
News ID: 122213

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan - The 18th Wing was recently awarded the 2013 Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for exceptionally meritorious service from Nov. 2, 2012 to Nov. 1, 2013.

Since the establishment of the award in 1954, it has been earned by the “Keystone of the Pacific” 22 times.

Among numerous other wing accomplishments during the award period, seven Kadena airmen earned Distinguished Flying Crosses, five of whom are cited for valor, and five Kadena airmen earned Bronze Star medals for saving the lives of 151 U.S. and coalition personnel under heavy enemy fire.

The 18th Wing medical team also transported 385 patients, earning the 2012 Mobility Air Force’s Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron of the Year award.

“Congratulations to all airmen of the 18th Wing on a job well done and as always, thank you for what you do,” said Brig. Gen. James Hecker, 18th Wing commander.

All military and civilian personnel permanently assigned or attached to the 18th Wing who served for at least one day during the award period are authorized the appropriate ribbon.