18th Wing captures Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Published March 20, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Malia Jenkins 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- The 18th Wing was recently recognized with the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for meritorious service Nov. 2, 2010-Nov. 1, 2012. Known as "The Keystone of the Pacific," the 18th Wing earned this award through several exceptional achievements. During the award period, 18th Wing Airmen aided in the medical evacuation of more than 15,000 Japanese citizens after a tsunami disaster. They also rendered CPR and saved the life of a Japanese boy, earning praise from a local mayor. Kadena Airmen received the Pacific Air Forces' Best Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Patient Safety Program award. They also earned three French National Defense Medals, saved more than 70 people and secured a crashed French jet in Afghanistan. The wing's Airmen ensured the quality of life for about 6,000 families across the base, exceeding the PACAF military family housing renovation program standard by upgrading a $10.8-million communication network system. They also developed the most-visited official web page in the Air Force for 2011, with more than 4 million views monthly. Kadena Airmen also ensured the wing was safe by earning the Air Force Explosive Safety Award for 2011 for seeing 10 million pounds of munitions were properly inspected, maintained and in the correct position for transportation, with zero incidents. Additionally, Kadena implemented an energy-saving campaign known as "Power Nap," which saved $5 million worth of electrical consumption, creating personal bonds with the local community and exemplifying U.S. ambassadorship not only in Okinawa but around the world. Through all those accomplishments and more, the 18th wing collectively earned 12 Air Force awards, 43 Pacific Air Forces awards, six Distinguished Flying Crosses and eight Bronze Star Medals. "Congratulations Shogun Warriors to you and your excellence in all that you do every day in making the mission happen," said Brig. Gen. Matt Molloy, 18th Wing commander. "This award was well earned and well deserved!" The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award was created in 1954 and recognizes U.S. Air Force commands, including Reserve and Air National Guard units, for performing exceptionally meritorious service, accomplishing acts of outstanding achievement, excelling in combat operations, and exhibiting conduct with distinction in military operations involving conflict with, or exposure to, hostile action by any opposing foreign force.