Al Udeid AB, Qatar -- The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing and its tenant units were awarded the Meritorious Unit Award, for exceptional performance in support of Operation’s Freedom Sentinel and Inherent Resolve between June 1, 2018 and May 31, 2019, by U.S. Air Forces Central Command, at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.
According to the Air Force’s Personnel Center, the MUA is awarded to units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in direct support of combat operations. These units have distinguished themselves by service or achievement that clearly sets it above and apart from similar units.
“This award reflects a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication by the Airmen of the 379th AEW,” said Brig. Gen. Daniel Tulley, commander of the 379th AEW. “This is a significant accomplishment that demonstrates our commitment to the mission. The 379th AEW continues to set the standard and we all should be proud.”
During the award period, 379th AEW Airmen brought together more than 11,000 joint and coalition service members in support of combat operations. They also generated more than 6,000 combat flying missions, supplied 104 million pounds of fuel, delivered 50,000 tons of cargo and supported 66,000 joint and coalition personnel traveling through AUAB to further deployed locations.
“The dedication and sacrifice of those who contributed to mission success is present in the excellence reflected in this award,” said Chief Master Sgt. Chad Neubarth, 379th Expeditionary Operations Squadron superintendent. “From the operators who executed the mission to the maintainers and support functions that made it all possible, it is a representation of the whole team effort across the 379th AEW.”
In addition, Airmen with the 379th AEW claimed the largest combat air drop since Vietnam. The drop delivered food, supplies and fuel to U.S. and coalition forces throughout the region in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
According to Tulley, this award would have not been possible without the support of Qatari partners and coalition forces.
“I am confident in the 379th AEW’s ability to continue enabling and executing decisive combat air power in the AFCENT area of responsibility," he continued.
The 379th AEW is the largest expeditionary wing in the world, delivering airpower and sustaining regional presence to promote peace through deterrence to drive the mission to success.