[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 26 (Thursday, February 29, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           FLORIDA AIR NATIONAL GUARD ON DUTY IN CUBAN CRISIS

                                 ______


                         HON. TILLIE K. FOWLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 29, 1996

  Mrs. FOWLER. Mr. Speaker, the destruction of two unarmed civilian 
aircraft from the group ``Brothers to the Rescue'' and killing of four 
pilots has again focused our attention on the Castro regime's criminal 
behavior. I am pleased that the international community has responded 
swiftly to these horrible misdeeds.
  I would note that even as our Government, the Congress, and the 
Security Council were working to fashion their political responses, the 
men and women of the Florida Air National Guard were on heightened 
alert status in defense of our national interests. Following the shoot-
downs, Jacksonville-based F-15's of the 125th fighter wing, supported 
by the unit's C-26 operational support aircraft, redeployed to 
Homestead Air Reserve Base in South Florida. There they joined a 
detachment of the 125th that is on alert 365 days a year to assure 
protection of our Nation's airspace and perform the combat air patrol 
mission.
  The air guard's speedy response to the Castro dictatorship's crimes 
is a tribute to the dedication and professionalism of our guard forces. 
We owe them all a debt of gratitude.

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