[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 17, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S961]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                TRIBUTE TO AVIATION PIONEER BEN R. RICH

  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to note with 
deep sadness, the passing of a legend in the aviation industry. I was 
just recently informed that Ben R. Rich, former president of the 
Lockheed Skunk Works passed away after a long illness. Best known as 
the Father of the F-117 Stealth fighter aircraft, his passing is a sad 
moment for several Senators and the many staffers that Ben has had 
contact with in the Senate over the years.
  Perhaps his finest hour came during Operation Desert Storm, with the 
deployment of the F-117 to the gulf. As many will recall, the F-117 
destroyed 40 percent of all strategic targets, yet represented only 2 
percent of the allied forces tactical aircraft, and it was the only 
aircraft to attack the heavily defended Baghdad area. This aircraft 
uniquely reduced the cost of war by enabling strike missions to be 
accomplished with fewer attack and supporting aircraft, thereby putting 
fewer combat pilots at risk. Utilizing this aircraft further minimized 
collateral damage and civilian casualties. Indeed, Ben's vision and 
genius throughout the design and development of the F-117 have 
revolutionized air warfare as we know it.
  Ben Rich's many achievements have been recognized throughout the 
aerospace industry. Just last May, Secretary of Defense William J. 
Perry honored Ben by presenting him with the Distinguished Public 
Service Award. At the time, some in the media had proclaimed Perry to 
be the Father of Stealth. However, at the presentation ceremony, 
Secretary Perry said it was Rich who provided the intellectual and 
spiritual leadership and that the title of ``Father of Stealth really 
belongs to Ben Rich.''
  Mr. President, this was only one in a long line of accomplishments in 
Ben's 40 years of distinguished service in the aviation industry. He 
played a leadership role in the design and development of the F-104, U-
2, A-12, and the famous SR-71 Blackbird--the latter still holds the 
world's flight records for speed and altitude. In addition, he also led 
the development and production of the YF-22A advanced tactical fighter 
program until his retirement in January 1991.
  For his accomplishments, Ben was a Corecipient of the Collier Trophy 
presented by the National Aeronautic Association; selected as a Wright 
Brothers lecturer by the American Institute for the Advancement of 
Engineering; an elected member of the National Academy of Engineering 
and a nominee for the 1994 Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy.
  To the many who knew him, he will be remembered as a colorful 
character--for his sparkling wit and enthusiasm. To some, he was a 
gifted teacher who could explain in the clearest terms some of the more 
complicated technical aspects of aviation. To others, he was a forceful 
advocate for innovative ideas and futuristic solutions to problems in 
aviation design. To all, he was a patriot.
  To Ben's wife, Hilda, to his family and his many friends and 
coworkers, we send our deepest condolences. And from this Nation, a 
heartfelt debt of gratitude to Ben Rich.


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