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185th earns 9th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

By Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot / Published January 04, 2018

Graphic illustration depicting a KC-135 with the AF outstanding unit award with text that reads 185th Air Refueling Wing from Sioux City, earns Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
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In December 2017 the 185th Air Refueling Wing from Sioux City, Iowa was informed that it was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award during the evaluation period from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016. This is the 9th time in the unit has earned the award. The unit flies the KC-135R Sratotanker mid-air refueling aircraft. The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award is given to units that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service. U.S. Air Force graphic illustration by Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot 185th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

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Sioux City, Iowa --

The National Guard Bureau in Washington D.C. recently announced that the 185th Air Refueling Wing from Sioux City, Iowa has been awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for exceptionally meritorious service.

The evaluation period for this award was from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016. This is the 9th time in the unit’s history it has earned the award.

According to Col. Larry Christensen, commander of the 185th ARW this award is a reflection of the work members of the 185th do every day.

"The people in our communities have a strong work ethic. It is our unit members that make the unit what it is, but it is also great to have the recognition of the National Guard Bureau to validate our commitment to excellence," said Christensen.

The unit, which is comprised of over 900 full and part time members, flies and maintains 8 KC-135R Sratotanker mid-air refueling aircraft. The unit’s main mission is mid-air refueling but is also made up of numerous support elements.

The unit’s main mission is to provide mid-air refueling and mobility sustainment in support of the global mission of the Air Force. The wing is also tasked to support the state of Iowa during state emergencies where they have provided, and continue to be ready to provide for humanitarian and national disaster response.

"We would not be able to do this without the support of our communities, our family members, employers and civic leaders. Our members serve proudly and they are a great reflection of the communities they come from. Their commitment as well as the commitment of our communities is crucial to our success," Christensen added.

According to the Outstanding Unit Award citation, the 185th has continued to regularly provide mission capable aircraft and Airmen for deployments around the world for both flying and mission support operations.

The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award is given to units that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from other Air National Guard units.


Tag185th Air Refueling Wing; Sioux City; Iowa; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award; Award; KC-135R; Sratotanker; mid-air refueling; aircraft; exceptionally meritorious service; outstanding; achievement;