Biggest, busiest and now ‘proven’ the BEST

What goes around comes around. Several Airmen were reminded of this adage as Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe announced July 11 that Headquarters 3rd Air Force, the 86th Airlift Wing and the 435th Air Base Wing have earned the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

Based on exceptionally meritorious service, the award confirms that Team Ramstein members have what it takes to be winners. This is the sixth time HQ 3rd AF has earned the AFOUA and the first time since its reactivation in December 2006. The HQ is the Air Force’s only joint task force-certified Numbered Air Force and has been tasked to perform in that capacity as the JTF lead for Operation NOMAD FIRE, which required security operations for the president of the United States during a five-country African tour.

With more than 26,000 people, it supports 92 countries with air, space and information power for Headquarters U.S. European Command. Its participation in numerous joint exercises, combat and humanitarian support and support to the NATO, as well as its command and control of nine wings, are part of the 3rd AF’s winning formula.

For the 86th AW, the award is nothing new. This is the third year in a row the wing has garnered the AFOUA, a rare feat. Sharing theater security with Algeria, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Israel, Lithuania, Romania, Russia and Ukraine is part of the meritorious service the wing provides.

“Each person in the 86th Airlift Wing earned this award because they took care of the mission and took care of each other,” said Col.Bill Bender, 86th AW and KMC commander.

This is also a back-to-back win for the 435th ABW earning the AFOUA. Living up to their “Swift and Sure” motto, the wing provides more than 38,500 hours of protective service for roughly 450 distinguished visitors annually. They also cared for 12,000-plus wounded warriors from operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

Given the high operations tempo at Ramstein, the award confirms the Airmens’ teamwork, commitment to excellence and pride in their accomplishments. The award is for members assigned to HQ 3rd AF from Jan. 1, 2006 to Dec. 31, 2007; for those assigned to the 86th AW from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2007 and those assigned to the 435th ABW from Dec. 1, 2005 to Nov. 31, 2007.