The 36th Wing has been awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for exceptionally meritorious service from Oct. 1, 2017 to Sept. 30, 2019.
The award was created by the Department of the Air Force Jan. 6, 1954. It is awarded by the secretary of the Air Force to numbered units that display decidedly superior performance; distinguishing themselves among and above similar units.
The wing garnered recognition as a result of the mission accomplishments providing deterrence, assurance to allies and strength for regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Airmen at Andersen Air Force Base generated more than 1,400 Pacific power projection missions in support of multiple Indo-Pacific Command objectives for deterrence and regional security. The wing led 146 presidential support sorties, moving 3 million pounds of cargo over eight geographically separated locations supporting the president of the United States' engagements throughout the region.
Furthermore, the wing prevailed over the effects of eight major weather events including six typhoons and two super typhoons while never losing its combat capability despite the requirements to disperse aircraft and ride out the base. Two of the worst storms coincided with joint and multinational exercises COPE North and Valiant Shield. The Airmen of the 36th Wing recovered the base and were back up to full-scale exercise operations in minimum time in each instance. This ensured the success of these large training venues benefiting all joint services, 11 partner nations and more than 7,000 Airmen.
Additionally, Andersen AFB quickly responded to significant humanitarian crises after two typhoons devastated the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and an earthquake-rocked Indonesia. The 36th Wing provided emergency airlift and support equipment for 180 missions for non-governmental organization relief efforts resulting in the movement of 5 million pounds of aid for 200,000 affected personnel across the region.
"I'm extremely proud of the team's accomplishments and perseverance throughout many challenges - typhoons, the current pandemic and their demonstrated commitment to operational readiness and mission accomplishment," said Brig. Gen. Gentry W. Boswell, 36th Wing commander. "The best part is that we accomplished all of these things together - as a team! The 36th Wing is truly an outstanding organization made up of the best Airmen; Airmen that know how to take care of the mission and take care of each other. I couldn't be more proud."
The 36th Wing at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam has been awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for exceptionally meritorious service from Oct. 1, 2017 to Sept. 30, 2019. The award was created by the Department of the Air Force Jan. 6, 1954. It is awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units that display decidedly superior performance; distinguishing themselves among and above similar units. (U.S. Air Force courtesy graphic)
