TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The director of the Air National Guard presented the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Friday to the commander of First Air Force for the unit's superior performance. 

     Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley, director of the Air National Guard, made the presentation to Maj. Gen. Hank Morrow, commander of First Air Force (AFNORTH) and the Continental U. S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region. Gen. McKinley made the presentation during a ceremony here in front of approximately 200 members of the unit. 

     Gen. McKinley described Tyndall's Air Operation Center (AOC) as the leading edge.
"The AOC is top of the line, raising the bar by ensuring joint air defense of the continental United States," said the general. 

     First Air Force is responsible for ensuring the air sovereignty and air defense of the continental United States. As the CONUS geographical component of the bi-national North American Aerospace Defense Command, the Air Operations Center provides airspace surveillance. The AOC provides control and direction for all air sovereignty activities for the continental United States. 

     Gen. McKinley said the Global War on Terror creates some financial difficulties that challenge the Air Force, yet each day citizen Airmen rise to the challenge of securing our nation while exceeding mission requirements. 

     "First Air Force is a great organization made up of great people with superior leadership under Gen. Morrow. My thanks for a job well done and for the sacrifices our airmen make everyday to make First Air Force one of the finest fighting forces in the world," said McKinley. 

     Gen. McKinley is responsible for formulating, developing and coordinating all policies, plans and programs affecting more than 106,800 Guard members in more than 88 flying units and 200 geographically separated units throughout the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands. 

     The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award was authorized by Department of the Air Force General Order 1, Jan. 6, 1954. It is awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to four units annually that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units. 

For more information contact AFNORTH Public Affairs at 850-283-8657. For more information contact AFNORTH Public Affairs at 850-283-8657.
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