[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Pages 17015-17016]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING THE 366TH FIGHTER WING

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I wish to honor Mountain Home Air 
Force Base's 366th Fighter Wing, which recently earned the Air Force 
Outstanding Unit Award. Congratulations to the skilled and dedicated 
men and women who serve in the 366th Fighter Wing for their outstanding 
service to our Nation.
  The Outstanding Unit Award was created 61 years ago. According to the 
Air Force Personnel Center, it is awarded by the Secretary of the Air 
Force to units that ``distinguished themselves by exceptionally 
meritorious service or outstanding achievement.''
  The 366th FW earned the award for the period of June 1, 2014, to May 
31, 2015, and is credited with 9,200 hours spent in the air. When 
making the nomination, U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Mark C. Nowland cited 
the fighter wing's ``determination and relentless pursuit of 
excellence.'' He noted a number of the wing's accomplishments: the 
successful use of airpower during Republic of Korea theater security 
package operations; the Gunfighters expanded their airspace by 25 
percent, supporting seven military branches from five countries during 
five major exercises; and the achievement of an impeccable personal 
training pass rate. Lieutenant General Nowland wrote, ``Whether at home 
training for current and future contingencies or sending Airmen 
downrange to complete combat operations, the Gunfighters exemplify the 
Fly, Fight and Win ethos.''
  The more than 4,680 military and civilian members and approximately 
4,590 family members of the 366th FW have a long history of excellence. 
It has been awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 17 times, 
dating back to its accomplishments in 1966 and as recent as 2012. The 
work of the wing's servicemembers also earned Meritorious Unit Awards 
in both 2008 and 2009. These are just a few of its recognitions.
  Various divisions of the wing have also received numerous awards. The 
wing's maintenance group was acknowledged as ``Outstanding Maintenance 
Unit'' for their efforts during a massive aerial combat training 
exercise at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. The 366th Security Forces 
Squadron was also named ``Most Outstanding Security Forces Medium Unit 
in Air Combat Command.'' The 366th Force Support Squadron was selected 
as the best force support squadron in Air Combat Command, ACC, and the 
base's medical group is the top rated in ACC.
  The commitment and dedication of the thousands of courageous and 
accomplished Americans who call Idaho home is beyond impressive. We are 
blessed to have many knowledgeable and brave individuals and their 
families protecting our Nation. I congratulate the 366th Fighter Wing 
on its many successes.

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