Misawa Air Base earns outstanding unit award

Published April 9, 2007
35th Fighter Wing public affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- In a message dated 29 March 2007, Gen. Paul Hester, Pacific Air Forces and Air Component commander, announced Misawa Air Base earned the Outstanding Unit Award for July 2004 through May 2006.

Of its more remarkable displays, the 35th Fighter Wing showed its ability to maintain combat-ready forces while leading the command in aircraft mission capable rates for six years.

This honor is awarded to units in recognition of their achievements during a set timeframe, in which they clearly demonstrate the ability to attain above national or international standards.

"It's an honor for the 35th Fighter Wing to receive this level of recognition," said Col. Joel Malone, 35th Fighter Wing vice commander. "Being identified as an outstanding unit confirms for our Airmen the philosophy we practice day in and day out, and that is 'excellence in all we do.'"

Another point leading to this recognition was the numerous joint exercises and training which fostered strong coalition ties and strategic capabilities between the U.S. forces and Japanese military. The combined effort ensured Misawa was the first base to deploy F-16s to Exercise COPE INDIA 2005.

Throughout the operations tempo and deployment schedule the 35th Fighter Wing continued to distinguish itself by receiving "Excellent" ratings during the Pacific Air Forces Unit Compliance Inspection, the Health Services Inspection and Environmental, Safety, Occupational Health, Compliance Assessment and Management Program.

Other noteworthy undertakings that contributed to this recognition included: the 2005 Commander in Chief Installation Award; "Best Overseas Hospital"; "Best Overseas Commissary"; and the Curtain Award, won by 35th Civil Engineer Squadron.