Joint Base Charleston, S.C. –
The 437th Airlift Wing recently earned the Air Force Meritorious Unit Award for their actions in direct support of combat operations from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012.
The Meritorious Unit Award is given to Air Force active duty, Reserve and Guard units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding achievement or service in direct support of combat operations for at least 90 continuous days during the period of military operations against an armed enemy of the United States on or after Sept. 11, 2001.
During its award period, the 437th AW served as a lead hub for operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom. The unit distinguished itself by delivering more than 4,900 short tons of low cost, high velocity parachutes to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. They airlifted 42 percent of all air requirements with a 95 percent logistics departure reliability rate.
"I would like to congratulate the 437th Airlift Wing in receiving the
Meritorious Unit Award, it is well deserved," said Col. Darren Hartford, 437th AW commander. "The Wing showed exceptional skill and professionalism during support of operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom. Not only has the wing supported these operations, but our crews executed over 1,300 airdrops of critical warfighter material to austere combat outposts, setting the 2011 combat airdrop record in Afghanistan-- a tremendous display of dedication.
"Although one unit is the recipient of this award, it is truly a reflection on the teamwork between the 437th AW, the 628th Air Base Wing and 315th AW. The mission success of the 437th comes from all of the outstanding Airmen at Joint Base Charleston."