Recognizing the Wyoming Air National Guard

Floor Speech

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Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, it is a privilege to recognize the Wyoming Air National Guard as it celebrates its 70th anniversary.

The Wyoming Air National Guard boasts a legacy of service that spans decades--and generations. Since its formation, dedicated men and women from communities throughout Wyoming have provided essential support to our State, Nation, and world during times of trial. This rich history illustrates Wyoming's devotion and commitment to serving our Nation.

The Wyoming Air National Guard was organized in Cheyenne on August 10, 1946, and designated the 187th Fighter Group. Three years after formation, the 187th was tested. During the Great Blizzard of 1949, the Guard took to the air to aid stranded ranchers, travelers, and residents in central and southeastern Wyoming. Operations Snowbound and Haylift included more than 200 flyovers to provide much-needed supplies, such as food and medicine, to those stranded below. In addition, members of the 187th provided over 550 tons of hay to livestock.

The members of the Wyoming Air National Guard have provided mission support in nearly every national military campaign. During the Korean conflict, Wyoming pilots served around the world in Germany, Japan, and South Korea, flying over 1,500 combat missions.

The Guard also served valiantly in the face of other major military conflicts. In 1953, under the threat of nuclear war, the 187th Fighter Group was redesignated as the 187th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. The squadron's members trained relentlessly and routinely executed 5-minute simulation drills to prepare for attacks from Russian bombers.

During the Vietnam war, the Air Guard flew combat zone missions in Southeast Asia. In 1966, the group was designated as the 153rd Military Airlift Group and later as the 153rd Aeromedical Airlift Group. Throughout the grueling conflict, Wyoming airmen flew dangerous missions through rough terrain to move wounded and fallen soldiers from the battlefield. Remarkably, no Wyoming Air National Guard lives were lost during the war.

During Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield in the early 1990s, the men and women of the 153rd supported the war effort by transporting troops and supplies within the U.S. and in Central and South America. The Guard's medical personnel were activated and sent to Saudi Arabia and were later sent to aid the Kurdish people in Iraq during Operation Provide Comfort.

The terrorist attacks of 9/11 drastically changed America. The Wyoming Air National Guard was the first unit to resume flying. In addition to transporting blood donations around the western United States, the 153rd Airlift Wing was deployed in support Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. In total, the Wyoming Air National Guard has deployed personnel abroad more than 3,700 times since 2001.

Today the Wyoming Air National Guard continues to be known for its outstanding versatility and integrity. Members remain actively involved in a wide range of missions in Wyoming, the United States, and around the world. These operations include providing humanitarian aid, supplies, and transportation for servicemembers. Additionally, the 153rd Airlift Wing provides antiterrorism support worldwide.

The heroes of the Wyoming Air National Guard proudly offer aid and support to our friends and neighbors at home. One crucial mission, especially in the Western United States, is firefighting. In 1976, two aircraft were outfitted with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, beginning a long history of exceptional firefighting deployments. MAFFS has become an essential tool in our Nation's efforts to battle forest fires. In 40 years, the Guard unit has helped extinguish fires from Washington to Arizona, including the historic 1988 Yellowstone National Park fire and the 2007 wildfires in California.

The Wyoming Air National Guard continues to maintain the highest levels of integrity and reliability whenever and wherever they are called to serve. These dedicated men and women routinely pause their own lives to stand tall in the face of danger. Our State commends these heroes--and those who came before them--for all they have done to protect our most cherished ideals.

I encourage my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Wyoming Air National Guard's 70 years of courage, commitment, and dedication.

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