Thunderbolts named top dog Published Oct. 23, 2006 By Radean Brown 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Luke's 56th Fighter Wing captured top honors in an annual competition recognizing outstanding air force units worldwide, according to a special order announced June 22 here. The Air Force outstanding unit award, based on exceptionally outstanding achievement from July 1, 2003, to June 30, 2005, recognizes, "The men and women of the 56th Fighter Wing who have trained the world's greatest F-16 fighter pilots and maintenance technicians all while providing agile, reliable, and consistent combat support anywhere in the world." "There is not another wing in the Air Force who deserves this award more than the 56th Fighter Wing," said Brig. Gen. Tom Jones, 56th wing commander. "This recognition truly underscores your dedication and commitment of our Thunderbolts who continuously excel in supporting our warfighter missions around the world. I am extremely proud to have an outstanding team of professionals like yourselves who take pride in the daily mission." In part the award citation also says, "The 56th Fighter Wing has garnered approximately 65 major command and above level awards and best practices over the last two years and has, without a doubt, set the standard for Air Force personnel and organizational excellence." Servicemembers assigned to the 56th FW operations, maintenance, mission support and medical groups, to include wing staff agencies, during the July 2003 to June 2005 time period are authorized to wear the ribbon. The outstanding unit award ribbon is worn after the Joint Meritorious Unit Award and before the Organizational Excellence Award. "The 56th Fighter Wing is one of the most highly decorated units in military aviation history," said Gus Vinas, wing historian. "This is the 15th time the unit has won this coveted award." The Air Force outstanding unit award was established Jan. 6, 1954, by Secretary of the Air Force Harold Talbot.