Des Moines, Iowa -- On December 31, 2017, the National Guard Bureau, Washington DC, announced that the 132d Wing in Des Moines, Iowa received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA).
This is the unit’s 12th AFOUA since the Air Force began issuing the honor in 1954. The evaluation period for this award was from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016. The 132d Wing last received the award in 2016.
The AFOUA is awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units that have distinguished themselves by exceptional meritorious service or outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units. The services include: performance of exceptionally meritorious service, accomplishment of a specific outstanding achievement of national or international significance, combat operations against an armed enemy of the United States, or military operations involving conflict with or exposure to hostile actions by an opposing foreign force.
The 132d Wing’s three primary missions are Intelligence Targeting, MQ-9 Reaper Operations and Cyberspace Operations. Intelligence Targeting uses intelligence information and training to determine the strengths and weaknesses of an enemy target complex and pass that information off to Weaponeers who determine the best aim point and weapon to achieve desired target destruction. The MQ-9 is an armed aircraft that provides real-time full-motion video to combatant commander’s around the globe. Cyber Operations squadron is tasked with analyzing and protecting networks and systems by determining vulnerabilities and implementing solutions.