552nd ACW wins its 24th Outstanding Unit Award

by Darren D. Heusel
Tinker Public Affairs

1/27/2014 - TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The 552nd Air Control Wing has been awarded it's 24th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, it was announced recently.

"This recognition is without a doubt a tremendous reflection of the military and civilian Airmen who make up this outstanding wing," said Col. Jay Bickley, 552nd ACW commander. "I want to personally thank each and every one of them for the extraordinary effort put forth each day, their willingness to grow, develop and mentor one another and their continuance to uphold the core values of our Air Force."

According to records, the most recent AFOUA earned by the wing was for the period June 1, 2012 to May 31, 2013. Prior to this, the last one the wing had earned was for the period of June 1, 2011 to May 31, 2012.

Of the wing's 24 AFOUAs, four came with the "Combat V" device for valor, with the most recent of these being for the period of June 1, 2002 to May 31, 2003, coinciding with the initial months of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.

In addition to the 24 AFOUAs, the 552nd ACW has also received two Meritorious Unit Awards; one from 2006-2007 and one for 2008-2009.

"Without their dedication to the mission and to each other, awards such as this would not be possible," Colonel Bickley added. "It is truly my pleasure to serve alongside each of these Airmen and I look forward to the ACW receiving more outstanding recognition they will have no doubt earned."

Subordinate units within the 552nd ACW authorized to share in the award include: the 552nd Operations Group, 552nd Operations Support Squadron, 552nd Training Squadron, 960th Airborne Air Control Squadron, 963rd AACS, 964th AACS, 965th AACS, 966th AACS, 552nd Air Control Group, 607th Air Control Squadron, 552nd Air Control Networks Squadron, 726th ACS, 728th ACS, 729th ACS, 752nd Operations Support Squadron, 552nd Maintenance Group, 552nd Maintenance Operations Squadron, 552nd Maintenance Squadron and the 552nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.