241 EIS Awarded Outstanding Unit Award

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Melissa Dearstone
  • 241 EIS
The 241st Engineering and Installation Squadron, a tenant unit of the 134th Air Refueling Wing, was presented the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award by Brig. Gen. Donald L. Johnson, Assistant Adjutant General for the Tennessee Air National Guard, May 4.
This marks the sixth time the 110 - person unit has received the honor for their hard-work and dedication.
“It takes unparalleled professionalism, the desire to sharpen our skill sets, and the willingness to be flexible for mission success,” said Lt. Col. David Moss, Detachment Commander for the 241st EIS.
During the period for which they received the award, the unit accomplished not only internal success, but also supported other missions such as Operation Enduring Freedom.
Moss said that the unit executed over 30 mission essential projects within United States Central Command Area of Operation, providing a seamless transition from tactical to enhanced communication networking at numerous forward operating bases while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
There were other parallel accomplishments as well during the year.
“Nationally, the squadron designed and built $2.5 million in telecommunications systems that provided timely, ready, reliable forces and mission-ready communications equipment for rapid deployment and contingency support,” said Moss. “The squadron also orchestrated the Afghanistan retrograde project, closing three installations, thus, avoiding over $2 million in shipping costs and recovering over $1 million in material.”
The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award began in 1954 and is awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to units that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement that sets the unit apart from other similar units.
According to the Air Force Personnel Service, services include:
• Performance of exceptionally meritorious service.
• Accomplishment of a specific outstanding achievement of national or international significance.
• Combat operations against an armed enemy of the United States.
• Military operations involving conflict with or exposure to hostile actions by an opposing foreign force.
To celebrate their accomplishment, the 241st threw a squadron party to celebrate all their hard work, dedication and teamwork.
The unit hosted a reception/party for all unit members and guests. Distinguished visitor’s included Brig. Gen. Johnson and Col. Vincent Franklin, Commander of the 119th Command and Control Squadron.
The 241st is one of 15 combat-ready Air National Guard Engineering and Installation Squadrons. The unit is responsible for mobilizing and deploying worldwide to accomplish the engineering, installation, reconstitution and/or the replacement of communications, such as computer systems, air traffic control and landing systems.
The 134th ARW recently gained the 241st EIS as a tenant unit this year, and is excited for the opportunity to be working with such a great squadron.
”The support the 241st EIS has received from the 134th ARW since the beginning of our transition has been outstanding,” said Moss. “We look forward to establishing a great and long-standing relationship with the best Air Refueling Wing in the United States Air Force.”