379th Air Expeditionary Wing 379 AEW Al Udeid Qatar OIF OEF HOA Challenge Coin

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379th Air Expeditionary Wing 379 AEW Al Udeid Qatar OIF OEF HOA Challenge Coin :
$19.97

The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing is the largest, most diverse expeditionary wing in the Air Force, providing combat airpower and support for Operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom’s Sentinel. The wing and its associate units operate more than 100 aircraft, making the base a large hub for humanitarian airlift activity while providing mission-essential combat power, aeromedical evacuation, airlift, air refueling, and intelligence gathering for multiple theaters of operations. The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing provides reliable aircraft equipment, maximizes mission effectiveness, and delivers reliable combat support.

BACKGROUND:

The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing is about combat airpower – it’s where the “rubber meets the road.” This wing is charged with delivering critical combat airpower in support of both Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. The 379th AEW provides global vigilance, global reach, and global power. With more than 11,000 service members stationed here, the 379 AEW is truly one of the busiest wings in the world. Approximately every ten minutes, an aircraft is taking off or landing here – this is not just during duty-day—it’s 24/7; the wing’s Airmen are working around the clock to ensure the wing is always 100 percent mission capable. The wing, which was activated in April 2002, draws its history from World War II and can trace its roots back to the only bombardment group ever to achieve a “grand slam” for their war efforts.

This historic unit began as the 379th Bombardment Group, established Oct. 28, 1942, and was assigned to the 8th Air Force. During this time in history, massive aerial formation assembly was frequently chaotic. In response, 8th AF leaders developed a system to more easily identify the bombers. The three air divisions of the 8th AF were represented by different shapes. The designs were painted on the wing and vertical stabilizers of each bomber along with a letter inside the shape, designating when the group first entered combat.

As a result, the 379 BG came to be recognized by the Triangle K insignia. The 379 BG was assigned to the 1st Air Division, with its designating shape being a triangle. The selection of the letter “K” indicated the 379 BG was the eleventh to enter combat.

Among its many distinctions, the 379 BG was awarded the unprecedented “8th Air Force Operational Grand Slam,” for operations during May 1944 in recognition for having the best bombing accuracy, greatest tonnage of bombs dropped on target, largest number of aircraft attacking and lowest mission-abort rate. As the only unit ever recognized in this manner, the 379 AEW still wears the moniker of “Grand Slam” wing today.

The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing transitioned from a predominantly fighter-based operation during the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom to a multi-mission wing. Once touted as largest concentration of coalition airpower in history, the wing now supports Air Force Central Command by delivering decisive airpower and building an enduring foundation by partnering with the host nation of Qatar in addition to other coalition forces. The aircraft assigned to this installation include the RC-135 Rivet Joint, the E-8 JSTARS, the KC-135 Stratotanker, the C-130 Hercules, the C-21, and the B-1B Lancer.

The 379th AEW is formed by the 379th Expeditionary Mission Support Group, the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Group, the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group, and the 379th Expeditionary Operations Group. These groups are comprised of a continuous rotation of personnel and airframes from active duty, reserve, and guard components, making the 379th AEW a true total force team. Our professional Airmen are well trained in the missions they support, and the air operations launched from this base pose a persistent and lethal threat to adversaries and a clear advantage to the forces who oppose them.

This Challenge Coinis notbeing described as “mint condition”, “authentic”, “real”, or “genuine”. It is listed “as is” “used condition”.

Terms and details are described below.Authenticity, origin, condition & value are considered to be a speculation on the part of the buyer. Individuals, Units and Demographics are representative only and may not be specific to the coin.

One can expect that this challenge coin appears brighter and shinier than it actually is due to the camera flash effect. One may expect that the coin appears larger and with finer details due to the zoom function effect of the camera. Please examine photos closely and ask questions and wait for a reply before you offer or buy.

CHALLENGE COIN listed “AS IS”.

PLEASE READ ENTIRE LISTING BEFORE CONSIDERING A offer.

The CHALLENGE COIN in the photos* is the same one you will receive.

*American currency coin(s) are for size comparison / reference only.

American currency coin(s) are not part of the sale!

Description of this Challenge Coin: -this challenge coin is in “as is” “used condition” even if I do not highlight more subtle flaws – it likely has some minor edge wear, surface wear, scuffs, scratches, scrapes, dings, dents, divots, maybe bent, color/enamel loss, oxidation/patina, soiling and/or corrosion. Look closely at the photos and ask any questions you may have before you offer. Photos don’t always reveal every detail you may discover in person when examining the challenge coin.Therefore, this challenge coin is being saleed “as is”.

Less than perfect condition: This challenge coin is not new, not freshly struck nor recently produced. It has not been kept in its original condition or packaging and likely has been left loose, displayed and handled by more than one individual and/or stored unprotected with other such challenge coins. I am not the original owner nor do I know who has previously owned this challenge coin.

This Challenge Coin is what I believe to be an actual example of a commissioned and specially designed token created by honorable individuals within the described units, by commanders or those within the commands, by the VIP or staff of VIPs or Organizations for the express purpose of gifting such a token to a well deserving individual emphasizing and promotingesprit de corpsatspecial events, ceremonies or circumstances as a personal unofficial act of gratitude by the presenters to those individuals deserving of such an honor.

That said, -be aware of what you are buying- as I am not an expert on the history of any individual challenge coins, nor of the true origins of this particular example of a challenge coin. Nor do I know the unit or individuals they represent. I do not know who manufactured this challenge coin or for what purposes it was actually manufactured for. My presumption and belief that this challenge coin is “…an actual example of…”may be entirely wrong. It may, in fact, be a reproduction or what is commonly known as “a junk coin”. If you have any doubts what-so-ever, please seek an expert out for advice before you decide to offer or not to offer.