The 188th Wing, and all its supporting groups and squadrons, has for the third time in unit history as a recipient of the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for their work between Oct. 1, 2011 through Sept. 30, 2013. The 188th has won two AFOUAs in the last five years.
The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award is awarded to units which have outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above national or international significance, combat operations against an armed enemy of the United States or military operations involving conflict with or exposure to hostile actions by an opposing foreign force.
At the time of the award period, the 188th was designated as the 188th Fighter Wing with a manned aircraft mission, flying the A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthog."
During the two-year span, the 188th completed the largest deployment in unit history in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. More than 350 Airmen and 10 aircraft deployed to support combat operations in the area of responsibility and set unit records in combat sorties, combat flight hours and other activities The unit achieved a 100% ATO rating and mission tasking completion rating while accumulating 1,853 combat sorties totaling 7,626.2 combat flight hours.
The 188th also contributed to the war efforts in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn by deploying more than 50% of its personnel to 13 worldwide contingency locations during the two year period. Also, the 188th Civil Engineer Squadron deployed to Guatemala in support of Operation Beyond the Horizon constructing a new school for 100 students in partnership with the United States Army while bolstering strategic international ties.
The 188th CES stood up the Air National Guard's first and only Rapid Engineering Deployable Heave Operational Repair Squadron Engineer (RED HORSE) training center as well as an Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) site providing critical mission training to civil engineers and firefighters throughout the ANG.
The community service and achievements of wing members resulted in 11 national level awards for excellence, leadership, service, public affairs, family readiness and psychological health.
"This recognition of the hard work and dedication our Airmen have provided and continue to provide today is well deserved and illustrates the value of our 188th members to the nation," Col. Bobbi Doorenbos, 188th Wing commander, said in a statement. "Their accomplishments showcase the diverse capabilities of our wing and our proven contributions to national objectives. I couldn't be more proud to lead these outstanding Airmen each and every day.”