MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Located 45 minutes southeast of Boise, Idaho, Mountain Home Air Force Base may seem like a sleepy small town installation. Most people probably would not expect this secluded base to be host to one of the most outstanding units in the Air Force. The men and women of the 366th Fighter Wing recently earned the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the period of June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2015.

Not only is the wing considered one of the Air Force's top units, the base has gone on to win four Air Force-level awards and forty-nine Major Command and Numbered Air Force-level awards at the individual, program and flight levels.

"Our job as Gunfighters is to prepare airmen to win today's war and the next," said Col. David Iverson, 366th FW commander. "I am proud of the entire wing for their outstanding efforts and glad the Air Force recognized the great work our team is doing."
Providing combat airpower means being able to send airmen anywhere at any time to deliver the support needed for the U.S. and its allies.

As a result of the wing's commitment and support, the base developed a Republic of Singapore Air Force fighter weapons instructor course, similar to the USAF weapons school, in order to provide them with the same level of high-end training our aircrews receive.

"Courses like these demonstrate our resolve and dedication to support our interests and allies both at home and abroad," said Lt. Col. Thomas Hancock, 366th FW Director of Staff. "We have an excellent partnership with the Singaporeans and benefit greatly from our ability to train together."

In line with the Air Force's core competencies of global attack and rapid global mobility, the wing distinguished itself by deploying 12 F-15E Strike Eagles to the Republic of Korea in support of overseas contingency operations.

The Gunfighters dedication and initiative proved invaluable in enhancing regional stability for the U.S. and its allies across Southeast Asia during this time by delivering more than 900 combat missions or "sorties" and 1,500 hours of combat airpower.

The men and women of Mountain Home AFB are always deploying and it doesn't hurt that the 366th Operations Support Squadron currently has the best deployment program in ACC.

When the wing isn't busy carrying out combat operations overseas they're spending countless hours back at home station training for any situation.

With more than 9,500 sorties flown, which roughly translates to 9,200 hours spent in the air, the base had the only F-15E unit to close out their command directed flying hour program within the allotted time frame.

"The safe and effective execution of every one of the thousands of sorties is a testament to phenomenal Gunfighter teamwork," said Col. Jefferson O'Donnell, 366th FW vice commander. "Combat airpower is what our nation expects of us and training and developing a wing of mission ready Gunfighters is how we deliver."

The Gunfighters aren't just made up of aircrew, however, and the flying hour program wouldn't have been a success without the 366th Maintenance Group making sure the jets are good-to-go.

The maintenance group recently won "Outstanding Maintenance Unit" for their efforts while being deployed to Red Flag 14-1, a massive aerial combat training exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

"Our recent runway closure operations, where units went to three locations and returned successfully with no mishaps, are a perfect example that people are our most important resource, not our technology and not our equipment," said Col. Michael Lawrence, 366th MXG commander. "This is a team award built on the hard work of our airmen who strive for excellence every day."

The wing does its best to make sure the training for its airmen is as realistic as possible, and holds its own program similar to Red Flag, titled "Gunfighter Flag", at least three times a year.

All personnel participate in this premier exercise program on base and in the Mountain Home Range Complex to provide high-end training and ensure exceptional combat readiness.

Further enhancing their training, the wing recently increased their capabilities by using GPS jamming for the first time in April, 2015.

Aircrew and maintainers wouldn't be able to fly the jets if the men and women of the 366th Mission Support Group and Medical Group weren't constantly providing agile combat support, another one of the Air Force's core competencies.

The 366th Security Forces Squadron, responsible for defending Mountain Home AFB and keeping the Gunfighter community safe was recently named "Most Outstanding Security Forces Medium Unit in ACC."

Their constant vigilance and careful watch resulted in command headquarters adopting some of their solutions.

Security forces aren't the only squadron in mission support group to earn high accolades. The 366th Force Support Squadron was also named the best FSS in ACC.

The 366th FSS is responsible for all services and support provided to the base. Its Outdoor Adventure Program provides exciting trips and tours at affordable prices to the Gunfighter community and was named the top program in ACC for 2014.

While excitement and entertainment is important to base morale; health and safety never fall by the wayside. Thankfully, the medical group is always working to ensure the military community of Mountain Home is healthy and happy.

As the winner of numerous ACC awards, the medical group currently holds the top rating in ACC and was named the best hospital of the year for 2014. The medical group earned their title by creating a number of "Healthy Base Initiative" programs and providing top-notch medical care for the 4,300 base personnel and their families.

Whether it's protecting our allies, training our airmen, keeping service members safe or providing critical combat airpower, the 366th FW is always ready to do what's needed to deliver air superiority around the globe.

"Thank you for your selfless service, teamwork and dedication to supporting and generating combat airpower for our Nation," Iverson said to the wing. "Congratulations on a job well done!"