92nd ARW receives Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Published Nov. 24, 2015 By Senior Airman Janelle Patiño 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The 92nd Air Refueling Wing was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Oct. 27 for exceptionally meritorious service from Sept. 1, 2014 to Aug. 31, 2015. The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award is given to Air Force units whose achievements clearly set them apart nationally, or internationally, in combat operations against an armed enemy of the United States, or military operations involving conflict with or exposure to hostile actions by an opposing force. During this cycle, Fairchild Airmen flew 16,000 flight hours and offloaded more than 18 million pounds of fuel to more than 13,000 U.S. and allied receivers around the world. 92nd ARW Airmen also provided air refueling, airlift and aeromedical evacuation support to the U.S. and allied forces while ensuring the highest standards of readiness, training and safety. Team Fairchild also generated 27 aircraft during four U.S. Strategic Command exercises, aiming towards the vision of being the Air Force's "Tanker Center of Excellence." "All of the wing's great accomplishments this year are because of the Airmen across the entire wing doing their job and excelling in it," said Chief Master Sgt. Christian Pugh, 92nd ARW command chief. "By reading the package we turned in for the award, it comes to light how much of a great organization we have here at Fairchild. The AFOUA is a testament to all the people here and all the hard work they've done." Another reason for the wing's successes are the support and appreciation the Spokane Community has with Fairchild Airmen. "The partnership we share with the community is vital to our mission success," said Col. Matthew Fritz, 92nd ARW vice commander. "Team Fairchild depends upon a good relationship with our community partners in order to make sure our mission is a success in every turn." During the award cycle, Fairchild Airmen captured 20 higher headquarters awards to include the Air Force-level D. Ray Award and General Thomas D. White Environmental Award, along with numerous other Major Command level awards. Col. Brian McDaniel, 92nd ARW commander, shared his thoughts about Team Fairchild. "I want to thank each and every one of you for your hard work and dedication executing the Fairchild mission," said McDaniel. "Day in and day out you execute the wing's aerial refueling and operational support mission with professionalism and pride - well done, Team Fairchild!" All Airmen assigned to Fairchild at any point during the award timeframe are authorized to wear the AFOUA ribbon. Those with a previous AFOUA may add the appropriate device to their ribbon rack.