MIDDLETOWN, Pa. -- The 193rd Special Operations Wing recently reached the high mark of earning its 18th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.
According to the Air Force’s Personnel Center, the AFOUA is awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units.
The Wing earned the award for its meritorious service from Oct. 1, 2015 to Sep. 30, 2017, according to the citation.
During this timeframe, 772 Airmen, from various units within the Wing, deployed in support of multiple contingency operations in various locations overseas. Our Airmen supported a multiple of combat and combat support roles, being a force multiplier on the battlefield.
The Wing participated in multiple domestic operations during this time, executing 167 sorties, airlifting more than 1,000 passengers with 700,000 pounds of cargo. The wing also fueled Hurricane Harvey and Maria relief by executing multiple airlifts, providing communications, personnel and cargo.
Units from the Wing conducted numerous training exercises, in various locations across the United States and around the world. We strengthened our relationship with our State Partnership Program partner, Lithuania, through multiple events and training exercises in both Pennsylvania and in Lithuania.
Col. Terrence Koudelka, commander of the 193rd SOW, commented on the dedication of the 193rd SOW Airmen.
“The Airmen of the 193rd continue to impress leadership both nationally and here in our Commonwealth,” said Koudelka. “They always impress me. To be awarded an 18th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award is an honor. It is a testament to the dedication and sacrifices that the Airmen of our team, and their families, make every day for our Nation and Pennsylvania.”
Chief Master Sgt. Bill Yingling, the command chief master sergeant of the 193rd SOW, also shared his thoughts on the achievement.
“To receive the 18th award is an incredible achievement by the 193rd showcasing the heritage and continuing legacy of the Wing,” said Yingling. “Our Airmen’s ability to live by the Air Force core values and maintain the highest Air Force standards is a credit to their hard work and commitment by every Airmen, every day.”