Des Moines, Iowa -- The Iowa Air National Guard's 132d Wing has been awarded its fifth consecutive and 15th overall Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for its efforts during 2019.
The Air Force Outstanding Unit 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 other Air National Guard units.
““The 132d Wing is an exceptional unit and the string of consecutive AFOUA’s demonstrates just how good it is,” said Col. Mark Chidley, 132d Wing commander. “Thank you to all the Airmen who continue to do the great work that results in these awards.”
During this period, the 132d Wing continued a legacy of excellence through lethality and readiness. In support of the Global War on Terrorism, the 124th Attack Squadron flew the MQ-9 REAPER over 5,900 combat hours, 329 sorties and delivered 2 kinetic strikes, meeting 100 percent of combatant commander intent.
In support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group provided premier targeting with over 12,000 hours of analysis, 8,100 products, and 2,000 hours of quality control.
Furthermore, as a force-multiplier, the RC-26 managed exceptional Southwest Border operations leading to 60 sorties, 130 flight hours, and prevention of 100 undocumented aliens from illegally crossing.
As an invaluable resource to the Department of Defense, the Distributed Training Operations Center provided effective live, virtual and constructive training providing a cost avoidance of over $1.3 billion; an unprecedented feat.
Throughout it all, the 132d Wing ensured the professional growth of airmen by hosting crucial College Level Examinations. This directly contributed to being nationally recognized for awarding the most Community College of the Air Force degrees in the Air National Guard in a five year period.
The wing was number one in the Air Force by awarding 108 Community College of the Air Force degrees to its members.