KINGSLEY FIELD, Ore. -- KINGSLEY FIELD, Ore. -- The Oregon Air National Guard’s 173rd Mission Support Group garnered the 2017 Oregon Outstanding Unit of the Year. The evaluation period for this award was from Jan. 1, 2016 to Dec. 31, 2017.
The award distinguishes Air Force units for their leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements.
Among the 173rd MSG’s accomplishments, they supported the organization and the execution of Sentry Eagle 2017. Sentry Eagle is a four-day, large-force exercise that the 173rd Fighter Wing hosts. The exercise brings together different aircraft and units from around the country for dissimilar air combat training. Additionally, the wing opens its gates to the public for a day during an open house.
The Airmen of the 173rd MSG also distinguished themselves by assisting the Oregon Department of Forestry’s firefighting efforts. The Oregon Guard has a continuing agreement with ODF, known as Operation Plan Smokey, in which the Oregon National Guard service members and resources can be used support the annual firefighting efforts. The support group assisted in the evacuation of nearly 3,000 residents and managed seven threat action plans to secure the affected areas.
The 173rd Security Forces Squadron, which falls under the 173rd MSG, had their largest deployment in squadron history during the Reserve Component Period. The 26 Airmen supported overseas contingencies in where they worked alongside the active component with operations throughout the world.