104th Fighter Wing Recognized as Air Force Outstanding Unit

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Media Advisory

Release No. 17-45

Contact:

SMSgt Julie Avey

413-568-9151 ext. 698-1299

Cell: (413) 564-9273

usaf.ma.104-fw.list.pa@mail.mil

 

 

December 15, 2017

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

104th Fighter Wing Recognized as Air Force Outstanding Unit

 

BARNES AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, WESTFIELD, Mass. – The 104th Fighter Wing earned its eighth Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, covering the period from November 2014 to October 2016.

The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award is awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units that have clearly distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement that distinctly sets their unit apart from similar units--showcasing the unit’s cohesion and the hard work of everyone assigned.

“This award further acknowledges the outstanding dedication of our 104th Fighter Wing Airmen,” said Col. James Suhr. “During this period the Airmen of the 104th Fighter Wing directly contributed to the national security requirements of our country.”

During the time covered by the award, the wing deployed over 250 personnel to the European theater in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve for four months as part of a theater security package to Iceland, Estonia, the Netherlands, and Bulgaria. The wing flew 36 sorties and moved 106 short tons to augment Icelandic air surveillance. In the Netherlands, they flew 114 sorties and moved 88 short tons supporting multinational exercise Frisian Flag. In Estonia, the 104th FW reassured NATO Baltic allies of regional stability. The wing deployed hundreds of personnel to worldwide locations in support of contingency and humanitarian operations.

Additionally, 104th FW medical staff deployed to Kenya providing dental and healthcare. The medical team trained Kenyan Defense Force in Trauma Casualty Care and Care Under Fire Courses. The 104th FW Joint Incident Site Communications Capability (JISCC) team supported homeland response force Vigilant Guard exercise. Members were deployed to USAFE to train alongside NATO allies and partners. Personnelists deployed in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel to Qatar, Germany, and Djibouti. Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams and Security Forces supported public safety at the Boston Marathon. EOD supported Boston Medal of Honor Convention with over 15,000 people in attendance. Security Forces Defenders deployed supporting U.S. Air Force’s Central Command in two Afghanistan locations.

The 104th FW team is vital in ensuring air dominance. In total, the unit flew more than 3,891 global sorties encompassing 6,357 flying hours from November 2014 to October 2016.

The Wing has more than 1,000 Air National Guard members and routinely practices to serve anywhere and anytime. Its mission is to provide highly trained personnel ready to provide Air Superiority on demand anywhere in the world with 21 assigned F-15C Eagle aircraft. The 104th also sits 24/7 Aerospace Control Alert, providing armed F-15 fighters ready to scramble in a moment’s notice to protect the northeast United States form any airborne threat protecting one-quarter of the nation’s population and over one-third of Gross Domestic Product. The Wing is always on call to provide emergency response to include security, logistics, communications, explosive ordnance disposal, firefighting, and medical support to the nation and Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

For more information please contact Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey, 104th FW Public Affairs, at 413-568-9151 ext. 698-1299 or email at usaf.ma.104-fw.list.pa@mail.mil.

 

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The 104th Fighter Wing provides highly trained personnel ready to provide Air Superiority on demand anywhere in the world with 21 assigned F-15C Eagle Aircraft. The 104th also sits 24/7 Aerospace Control Alert, providing armed F-15 fighters ready to scramble in a moment's notice to protect the northeast United States from any airborne threat protecting one-quarter of the nation's population and over one-third of the Gross Domestic Product.  The Wing is always on call to provide emergency response to include security, logistics, communications, explosive ordnance disposal, firefighting, and medical support to the nation and Commonwealth of Massachusetts.