The award was given for accomplishments during fiscal year 2016, including supporting more than 6,500 flying hours in more than 3,600 sorties. Maintainers also provided support for multiple austere landing exercises both state-side and abroad, developed procedures for dealing with “hung munitions” – bombs that fail to drop from the aircraft when commanded – produced 18 A-10 engines with zero delays, and loaded jets with more than 234,000 pounds of munitions with no mishaps. These are just a few of the actions for which the unit was recognized.
"This award is a testament of the quality total team effort of our everyone in the maintenance group," said Col. James Brock, the commander of the 442d MXG. "Maintainers, CSS staff, maintenance group staff, are all important in getting the mission accomplished. This was a busy year for the group as although we did not have a major deployment, we supported seven TDYs to include two O-Conus locations. My hat's off to the people...they are the integral piece to us winning award recently in 2014 and 2016 and the high levels of quality they demand. "
The 442d has won this award nine times since 1988.