DC Guard's 113th Wing earns the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

Unit receives award for the 15th time in its long and storied history

WASHINGTON, DC (10/21/2015)(readMedia)-- For the 15th time in their history, the D.C. Air National Guard's 113th Wing received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for operational performance and mission accomplishment, setting clear track record as a showcase unit that can get the job done.

"The Capital Guardians are committed to exemplifying the highest standards in the military with exceptionally meritorious service to both country and community," said Brig. Gen. George Degnon, 113th Wing commander. "Although an Air Guard unit, we support numerous active duty commands and conduct daily operational missions protecting the skies of D.C. and providing strategic airlift for the First Lady, members of Congress, and the executive branch."

The 113th Wing distinguished itself by exceptionally meritorious service by flawlessly executing more than 1,500 F-16 missions and 480 Aerospace Control Alert missions with more than 2,500 total flying hours protecting the nation's capital. The unit also conducted 14 missions with U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden, the Second Lady, 16 congressional delegation missions and 33 White House and Department of Defense missions.

During 2015, the 113th Wing also deployed more than 500 members in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, multi-national exercises Pitchblack, Tri-Sling and Cruzex, as well as joint-forces exercise Sentry Savannah, while accomplishing both their peacetime and wartime missions.

Members from the 113th Wing contributed to the community throughout the year through volunteerism, providing safety and security during high-visibility events such as the Martin Luther King 50th Anniversary "March on the Capital," the Independence Day celebration and other national events in Washington.

The Outstanding Unit Award was established Jan. 6, 1954, and is awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units.

"The 113th Wing has been--and continues to be--a premier unit in our nation's military," said Maj. Gen. Errol R. Schwartz, D.C. National Guard commanding general. "We are proud of their accomplishments. The nation can rest assured that the 113th Wing and its members are always ready when called to duty."

For a glimpse of the 113th Wing in action, please visit https://youtu.be/IfmmY9Oah2g

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