[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 143 (Wednesday, October 5, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 5, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
  DOVER AIR FORCE BASE PERSONNEL SERVING IN OPERATION UPHOLD DEMOCRACY

  Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I rise today to commend the role played in 
Operation Uphold Democracy by the men and women stationed at Dover Air 
Force Base. For nearly 30 years, Dover Air Force Base has been the home 
of the Air Forces' 436th ``Eagle'' Airlift wing--the premier East Coast 
Strategic airlift unit. From Vietnam through today's crises, personnel 
stationed with the Eagle Wing and its associate reserve unit, the 512th 
``Liberty'' Airlift Wing, have performed key missions whenever American 
troops have been placed in harm's way.
  Whether or not one supports American intervention in Haiti, we should 
all be proud of the efforts of those in uniform. The men and women sent 
from Dover should be especially commended--186 personnel from Dover 
were among the first to arrive on the scene. They secured the airport 
at Port-au-Prince and are running the airfield, as well as maintaining 
its security.
  Mr. President, the 36 C-5's stationed at Dover Air Force Base 
represent over a quarter of the United States' strategic airlift 
capability. Through September, they flew over 65 missions carrying 
troops, their equipment, and supplies to Haiti. Meanwhile, the 436th 
and 512th wings continued to fly missions around the world in support 
of other ongoing operations, including a recent shipment of Magnetic 
Resonance Imaging [MRI] equipment to Chernobyl to help treat children 
affected by radiation from the terrible nuclear accident several years 
ago.
  On the ground at Dover, the Aerial Port at Dover has contributed by 
being the primary air transport hub for the initial phases of Operation 
Uphold Democracy. Dover personnel have worked around the clock, 
assembling and loading almost a million pounds worth of shipments. 
Aircraft came to Dover from Andrews, McGuire, McChord, Charleston, 
Scott, and Travis Air Force Bases to ferry troops, equipment, and 
supplies to Haiti.
  Mr. President, I remain opposed to the administration's intervention 
in Haiti. But, this view does not diminish my admiration and respect 
for the men and women stationed at Dover Air Force Base. They are 
performing critical functions in Operation Uphold Democracy, and are 
serving their country with honor and distinction.
  I thank the Senator.
  Mr. KENNEDY addressed the Chair.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Massachusetts.

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