Two WPAFB units earn AFOUA

by Marie Vanover
88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

1/15/2016 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE -- The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award has been awarded to the 88th Air Base Wing and to the 21st Intelligence Squadron here for exceptionally meritorious service for the period Aug. 1, 2013 to July 31, 2015.

The award is presented to numbered units for exceptionally meritorious service or exceptionally outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above other units.

"Wow ... what a tremendous accomplishment for the Mighty 88th Team! This award formally recognizes what I see every day from amazing Airmen in the wing and represents the collective efforts of the entire team over the past two years," said Col. John Devillier, 88 ABW commander.

During the two-year period, the wing met all challenges while continuously training and equipping combat-ready forces for deployment and employment, added Devillier.

Some of the highlights throughout the wing over the past two years include hosting CORONA Top for 2014 and 2015; supporting the bed-down of the 434th Air Refueling Wing with 13 KC-135 aircraft; solidifying the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs joint venture initiative -- a first in the Air Force; successfully executing and hosting two Air Force Marathons, and earning an "Excellent" Command Cyber Readiness Inspection rating followed up two weeks later with a "Highly Effective" Unit Effectiveness Inspection rating!

Some of the 21 IS highlights included supporting 287 acquisition programs worth $549 billion; managing the largest Special Security Office customer base in Air Force Materiel Command; and facilitating the DOD's sole Acquisitions Intelligence Formal Training.

"I'm in awe of the hard work our Airmen put in each and every day serving the program executive offices as well as the entire acquisitions community," said Lt. Col. Steven Watts, the 21 IS commander.

The two organizations were among six units across Air Force Materiel Command recognized.

"What a wonderful way to start off 2016 -- the support the 88th provides to more than 100 mission partners at Wright-Patterson ensures mission success not only here in Ohio but around the nation and the globe. The award is really indicative of the great Air Force and Department of Defense team we have here at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base," concluded Devillier.