Unit Award

Throughout 2023, the 432d Wing and its subordinate groups have been at the forefront of the USAF’s persistent attack and reconnaissance combat mission to support multiple MAJCOMs and Joint and Combined Force Commanders in numerous AORs around the world. From January through December, the 432d Wing commanded combat lines that generated over 8579 sorties, over 222K ISR hours, and over 67 enemies killed all in support of all five National Defense Strategy Priorities in EUCOM, AFRICOM, CENTCOM, and INDOPACOM.

The 432d continued its ISR support around the globe, equipping and preparing 205 maintainers to support deployed sites across two AORs supporting operation ATLANTIC RESOLVE and national security objectives in establishing USAF/Japan Defense Joint Operations. The 432d Wing sustained Operation ATLANTIC RESOLVE/NATO eastern flank defenses, posturing the 731st Expeditionary Attack Squadron to support joint operations with POTUS over-watch for senior leader engagements on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and secured 775 missions and 13K flight hours. The Hunters also demonstrated exceptional agility by swiftly outfitting and expediting 13 crucial assets to support Just-in-Time tasking’s for three combatant commands operating across three continents, including ATLANTIC RESOLVE/JUNIPER SHIELD.

In response to a presidential directive, the 432d Wing shifted operational focus for two MQ-9 squadrons in support of the Israel-Hamas conflict within 72 hours of notification. Hunters pulled assets from three combatant commands to ensure persistent ISR support of our United States naval assets and provide partner nation support.

The 432d Wing successfully conducted the first-ever joint MQ-9 ACE exercise with the Marine Aircraft Group-39 which included executing 20 scheduled lines and generating 178 flight hours. This exercise also involved 60 live strikes and provided essential training for 12 aircrew.

Lastly, the Hunters collaborated with the Air National Guard-Air Force Reserve Command Test Center and the 174th Attack Wing to test upgraded satellite communication capabilities in support of exercise NORTHERN EDGE, enhancing joint interoperability and combat readiness in multinational operations. The Wing led 17 joint training missions, encapsulating 110 flight hours and bolstering MQ-9/C2ISR survivability in contested regions. This enabled real-time ISR for 10K troops across an AOR covering 186K square miles. The 432d Wing continues to be at the forefront of the USAF’s persistent attack and reconnaissance mission and their performance this year has earned them the Air Force Historical Foundation’s James H. Doolittle award.  The 432d Wing is the first two-time recipient of the AFHF Doolittle Trophy (2017).