51st FW receives 2012 Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

by Airman 1st Class Alexis Siekert
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

2/21/2013 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Earlier this month, the Pacific Air Forces commander, Gen. Herbert Carlisle, announced the 51st Fighter Wing has earned the 2012 Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the period of Oct. 1, 2010 to Sept. 30, 2012.

The 51st FW is the most forward deployed wing in the world, providing combat ready forces for close air support, air strike control, counter air, interdiction, theater airlift, and communications in the defense of the Republic of Korea. The wing executes military operations to beddown, maintain and employ follow-on forces for the combined arms base that includes three major flying tenants and large multiservice fighting units. The mission here is Defend Osan, execute combat operations, and receive follow-on forces; Ready to fight and win, tonight.

"I'm incredibly proud of the Airmen and what they have done and continue to do every day," said Col. Patrick McKenzie, 51st FW commander. "Team Osan has worked tirelessly throughout this past year and I couldn't be happier to see all their hard work recognized."

This award is given to units that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units, Air Force Personnel Center stated.

All active duty assigned to the 51st during that time period is eligible to wear the ribbon.

The Military Personnel Flight will add the decoration to personnel currently assigned to the wing; however, personnel who have since had a Permanent Change of Station or Permanent Change of Assignment and are entitled to share in the approved unit award should report to their servicing Force Support Squadron for assistance. Veterans should report to their local Veterans Administration offices for assistance. Air Force civilian employees should report to their servicing Civilian Personnel Section to have the award documented in the Defense Civilian Personnel Data System, and receive the appropriate lapel pin, Carlisle said.