In an informal ceremony held Oct. 5, members of the 177th Fighter Wing watched as Senior Airman Matthew McCune, a crew chief, unveiled the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA) emblem on one of the wing’s F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft.

"I’m honored and extremely proud of the Wing for receiving this award," said Col. Michael Cosby, Commander, 177th Fighter Wing. The wing received the award for exceptionally meritorious service from January 1, 2000 thru December 31, 2001. This is the first time the 177th has received this award.

The AFOUA, established by the Department of Defense in 1954, recognizes units that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units. The 177th was one of the first units to have its aircraft flying after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Congressman Frank LoBiondo, 2nd Congressional District, stated: "The efforts of the 177th Fighter Wing have been essential to America’s homeland defense and this award honors those efforts. Congratulations to the men and women of the 177th Fighter Wing on receiving the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for their ongoing homeland defense efforts as part of Operation Noble Eagle."