Moody units earn ‘outstanding’ award

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman S.I. Fielder
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Air Force officials recently recognized two units here for their "outstanding" work by awarding them the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

Both the 347th Rescue Wing and 820th Security Forces Group stood above the rest with their actions during the Global War on Terror and while providing humanitarian relief after Hurricane Katrina.

"These awards are a testament to Team Moody's continued outstanding performances," said Col. Joe Callahan, 23rd Wing commander. "It is an honor to lead our fine Airmen during these amazing and historical events. Once again, Moody Airmen have proven they have what it takes to go above and beyond the call of duty."

Between November 2004 and July 2006, 347th RQW Airmen showed they were the "tip-of-the-spear" in combat search and rescue capabilities during a variety of contingency operations.

The wing provided continuous CSAR support overseas, leading to a total of 64 saves while providing 20 straight months of alert coverage over the entire Iraqi theater. During several missions, the wing was the only unit able to overcome difficult weather conditions to perform CSAR operations.

Their commitment to the Global War on Terrorism was also evident through the diversity of their operations. More than 120 Operation Enduring Freedom medical evacuation missions were flown saving approximately 80 lives and assisting more than 60 people.

"Through complete integration, the CSAR teams were able to make the most of the assets and time available," said Colonel Callahan. "We utilized our capabilities to fullest extent to ensure no one was left behind."

The wing also demonstrated its humanitarian capabilities when it helped save more than 4,300 people during Joint Task Force Katrina operations. The operation marked the largest Air Force rescue operation in history.

"Hurricane Katrina gave us the opportunity to show the world what the Air Force rescue community is capable of when called upon," said Colonel Callahan. "We provided flawless support when our nation needed us the most."

The 347th RQW wasn't the only unit utilizing its capabilities to the maximum extent. During the same period, Airmen from the 820th SFG provided continuous worldwide force protection.

"I work around heroes every day, and I'm proud and humble to be their commander," said Col. John Decknick, 820th SFG commander. "We've got the total package, and are all joined in the common fight to protect Air Force people and resources anytime, anywhere."

The Airmen made Air Force history when they trained and equipped themselves to complete Task Force 1041 during Operation Desert Safeside, which was the first time Airmen had been officially tasked to patrol "outside the wire." Comprising more than 90 percent of the task force team, the 820th SFG led, organized and executed all facets of the mission, leading to the interception of multiple insurgent weapons supplies and egress routes.

Throughout the year, they executed offensive operations, while encountering improvised explosives devices, and small arms and indirect fire during their patrols outside the deployed base. These "outstanding" Airmen also proved themselves through the maintenance of a four-to-six month cycle of deployments, reconstitution, and on-call duty and training, said Colonel Decknick.

"We train like we'll fight, and we focus every Airman on the current and future enemy tactics, techniques and procedures," he said. "Everyone assigned here is a 'shooter first' and receives individual and collective skills to function in combat."

The 820th SFG Airmen are capable of performing high-level operations due to the extensive training, said the commander. In order to become one of these elite security forces members, an Airman must go through urban warfare training, combat weapons training, ground combat skills training, as well as other realistic training scenarios that train these Airmen like they fight.

The Airmen also train to support humanitarian relief missions, such as Joint Task Force Katrina. Not only were they part of the first teams to arrive at New Orleans International Airport after the hurricane to provide medical treatment and security, but the Airmen also deployed more than 100 tons of relief supplies with in 17 hours of notification.

"The 820th SFG is made up of Airmen like every other Airman, but we have a singular focus on protecting the force," said Colonel Decknick. "Although they are an elite force, they are humble professional epitomizing the collective Air Force team.

"We protect the force, so they can conduct CSAR from home bases, drop bombs on enemy targets, maintain aircraft for the fight, provide a place to recreate, heal our wounded and sick Airmen; fly and fight," he continued. "Our supporting role is critical, and we're proud to be part of the overall Air Force team."