(62nd AW PA) - The 62nd Airlift Wing has been awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for meritorious service from Sept. 11, 2010 to Sept. 12, 2011.

During this period, the 62nd AW provided airlift for Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn, delivering more than 128,000 personnel and 308 million pounds of cargo. These figures accounted for 41 percent and 29 percent respectively of all overseas contingency operations airlift.

The wing hosted the 2011 Air Mobility Command Rodeo, hosting more than 3,000 personnel, 159 teams and 35 international partners. During the AMC Rodeo, the 62nd AW was named Best Aerial Port Team, Best C-17 Globemaster III Pre-Flight Team and Best C-17 Globemaster III Wing.

Additionally, the 62nd AW safely executed 126 Prime Nuclear Airlift Force sorties, totaling 454 pounds of nuclear cargo. The wing also garnered two outstanding and one excellent rating during three Nuclear Surely Inspections.

As AMC's only Antarctic qualified wing, the 62nd AW flew 69 missions, totaling 772 flight hours and five million pounds of cargo delivered to the harshest environment on the planet. The Operation Deep Freeze team also conducted the first mid-winter medical evacuation, saving a life and validating the possibility of year-round Antarctic operations.

Squadrons and Airmen who fall under the 62nd AW won a number of awards, including AMC's number one Maintenance Professional, Air Mobility Flight Team, Civilian Personnel Office, Young Judge Advocate, Finance Management Airman, Language Professional and Weather Operations Flight.

The 62nd AW also made a large humanitarian impact, as the first heavy aircraft to aid in Japan tsunami relief by being airborne within 19 hours of notification. The wing propelled Operation Pacific Passage, repatriating 2,600 passengers and disbursing $19,700 in travel vouchers.

"This award directly reflects the hard work and dedication of our Airmen," said Col. Wyn Elder, 62nd AW commander. "To earn this distinction under the current heavy operational tempo is especially rewarding. I'm extremely honored to serve alongside the men and women of the 62nd."

Airmen stationed at JBLM during the award period are authorized to wear the Outstanding Unit ribbon or add one additional cluster to their ribbon.

Photo caption: The 62nd Airlift Wing was recently awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for meritorious service from Sept. 11, 2010 to Sept. 12, 2011. “This award directly reflects the hard work and dedication of our Airmen,” said Col. Wyn Elder, 62nd AW commander.