[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 40 (Friday, March 3, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E504-E505]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   TRIBUTE TO ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE ON SUCCESS OF DAKOTA CHALLENGE

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                            HON. TIM JOHNSON

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 3, 1995
  Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to give high 
praise to the men and women of Ellsworth Air Force Base who 
participated in the congressionally mandated B-1B bomber readiness test 
appropriately named ``Dakota Challenge `94.'' The test was conducted 
from June 1-November 30 of last year, and during most of the test the 
28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth flew training missions at an accelerated 
peacetime rate. During the final month of the assessment, the 28th Bomb 
Wing deployed a squadron to Roswell Industrial Air Center, NM to 
simulate flying from an austere location at wartime sortie rates. 
Earlier this week, the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center 
issued its final report on Dakota Challenge and the report reveals that 
the B-1B bombers exceeded all test expectations. As a long-time 
supporter of the B-1B, I am pleased with this outcome and incredibly 
proud that the men and women of Ellsworth can take some credit for the 
impressive results.
  Throughout the 6 months of the test, the men and women of the 28th 
Bomb Wing faced the challenges and demands of the assessment with 
ardent determination. The commitment and top notch performance of the 
men and women at Ellsworth Air Force ensured that the B-1B bomber 
exceeded all of its performance goals during Dakota Challenge. I am 
hopeful that this impressive performance will resolve long-standing 
disagreements over the B-1B's capabilities and help secure the future 
of the B-1B bomber which Secretary of the Air Force Widnall has called 
the backbone of the bomber fleet.
  The outcome of the test is a rock-solid testimonial to the B-1B's 
capabilities and I am proud of the men and women of the 28th 
[[Page E505]] Bomb Wing who ensured the unquestionable success of the 
test. I commend all of the men and women at Ellsworth who made Dakota 
Challenge a success through their commitment and discipline.


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