Outstanding! 180th FW receives Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Published March 8, 2011 By Capt. Gary Bentley Wing Executive Officer Swanton, Ohio -- The Chief of the Air National Guard, Lt. Gen. Harry "Bud" Wyatt has announced that the 180th Fighter Wing earned the 2010 Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for its accomplishments from November 1, 2008 to October 31, 2010. The AFOUA was authorized by Department of the Air Force General Order 1, Jan. 6, 1954. It is awarded to units that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units. This is the fourth time (1981, 1990, 2000 & 2010) the 180th Fighter Wing has earned this prestigious award. Highlights of the Wing's accomplishments during this period include: · Implemented new Air Sovereignty Alert mission providing 24/7 365 mission in support of Operation Noble Eagle. Aircraft scrambled multiple times under direction of North American Aerospace Command (NORAD) · Earned an "Excellent" rating during Air Combat Command Operational Readiness Inspection · Deployed unit members to locations around the world in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and other military operations · Supported the local community by providing speakers at various events, Honor and Color Guards at various events, and unit personnel donating time, talents and food to various charitable agencies Unit members assigned to the 180th at any time during the two year period are eligible to wear the AFOUA ribbon, or add the appropriate device to an existing ribbon.