455 AEW awarded Meritorious Unit Award Published Feb. 18, 2008 By Capt. Toni Tones 455 Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan -- The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing was recently awarded the Meritorious Unit Award for its support of combat operations at multiple operating locations in Afghanistan. Members assigned to the wing between Oct. 1, 2006 and Sept. 30, 2007 are authorized to wear the MUA ribbon for supporting the Global War on Terrorism during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. "The wing should be very proud," said Brig. Gen. James Hyatt, 455 AEW commander. "The members have and continue to step up to each and every challenge with unparalleled commitment to duty, and facilitate a stable and secure environment for the citizens of Afghanistan to rebuild their future." The Meritorious Unit Award recognizes organizations 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. According to the citation, the Airmen of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing provided close air support, air mobility, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, combat search and rescue, electronic attack, aeromedical evacuation, explosive ordnance disposal, security, reconstruction, and training to Coalition Forces throughout Afghanistan in austere conditions. "Our Airmen are the best fighting force in the world who put themselves in harm's way daily...they went above just superior performance to achieve this honor; what they did was exceptional," added General Hyatt. "We can and will win this war on terrorism. We are in it for the long haul and will not cease until terrorists organizations and networks are destroyed" Members can verify their records have been updated by going to vMPF via the Air Force Portal.