[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 30, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10240-S10241]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     50TH ANNIVERSARY OF ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE'S 28TH BOMB WING

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I would like to take this 
opportunity to recognize the men and women of Ellsworth Air Force 
Base's 28th Bomb Wing and join them in their celebration of the Air 
Force's and the bomb wing's 50th anniversary.
  This is a wonderful time to reflect on the remarkable role the U.S. 
Air Force and the 28th Bomb Wing have played in our national security 
and to look toward the future at the growing importance air superiority 
will have in maintaining the peace around the world. These past five 
decades have provided countless successes and great memories for the 
men and women who piloted, maintained, and provided oversight to the 
numerous important missions of the U.S. Air Force. Our country owes all 
who have served a debt of gratitude.
  The 28th Bomb Wing was born in August 1947 when the Strategic Air 
Command organized the wing at Rapid City Army Air Field, later renamed 
Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD. In 1949, the 28th participated in the 
first of a long line of historical missions when B-29's flew a 90-day 
show-of force mission during the Soviet blockade of Berlin. At the 
start of the cold war, the B-29's gave way to B-36 Peacemakers in 1950 
as the 28th provided an umbrella of security for NATO countries.
  The crews of the B-36 were dedicated to their missions--primarily 
reconnaissance and to gather photographic and electronic information. 
However, according to B-36 crew chief Bill Shoemaker, they did 
everything from drop haybales to stranded livestock during the terrible 
winters of 1949 and 1950 for Operation Haylifts; transport Thanksgiving 
turkeys to soldiers in Greenland; attend the coronation of Queen 
Elizabeth II, and take a member of the royal family on a short flight. 
The ability to perform any job, and do it well, was the hallmark of the 
B-36 crew and a trait that has been reflected in the personnel of the 
28th throughout the years.
  Senior Master Sgt. Dave Sitch spent 6 of his 26 years of military 
service at Ellsworth Air Force Base as part of the 28th Bomb Wing--
1951-55, 1974-76. ``In the days of the '36 and as part of the 28th, 
that was the closest group I had ever been in. There was a lot of 
competition among the squadrons, but there was a lot of camaraderie 
too. We looked out for each other.''
  Jet technology changed the face of aeronautics, and the all-jet B-52 
Stratofortress started replacing the Peacemakers in 1957. The 28th Bomb 
Wing played an important role in the Vietnam war, flying both bombers 
and tankers for 9 years. Over the next 20 years, Ellsworth Air Force 
Base became a vital component of our country's defensive strategy as 
the 28th assumed the bomber role in the Strategic Projection Force. The 
B-52 mission expanded to include sea reconnaissance, surveillance, and 
conventional operations from forward bases, and Ellsworth Air Force 
Base's reach extended to a number of hot spots overseas.
  Don Strachan spent 10 years as a member of the 28th Bomb Wing at 
Ellsworth Air Force Base. He recalls a time when the B-52's 
participated in an operation titled Airborne Alert, in which one-third 
of the entire B-52 fleet was expected to remain airborne at all times 
between 1957 and 1960. ``Some of the wings couldn't handle it, but the 
28th filled in. We never failed to meet our commitment. It was like 
family. We supported everyone extremely well. The esprit de corps was 
unmatched. There was a great deal of sharing among the crews. People 
would come in and observe our operations.''
  Strachan and Shoemaker recalled conducting maintenance on planes in 
desperately cold temperatures. While stationed with the B-36's in 
Greenland, Shoemaker recalled, ``It was so cold, you couldn't do 
anything. We worked under the lights on ramps. It was so dark all the 
time.'' Strachan said maintenance crews worked in chill factors that 
were 100 degrees below zero. ``Nothing stopped the 28th,'' said 
Strachan.
  Fred Hurst spent six different stints totaling 19 years at Ellsworth 
Air Force Base as a member of the 28th Bomb Wing. For many years, he 
served as president of the 28th Bomb Wing Reunion Association and was 
recently succeeded in the position by Strachan. Hurst spent 30 years of 
military service, working in maintenance on B-29's, B-36's, and B-52's 
and retired from military service as a chief master sergeant. He 
retired last year as a civilian worker and advisor on B-1B operations. 
Hurst says the 28th Bomb Wing has always been admired for its 
professionalism and efficiency. ``It is a good wing. It's been at the 
top for so many years as far as performance goes. It has a great safety 
record. Whenever someone had a problem, everyone and his brother tried 
to help him.''
  Mike Isaman spent a total of 15 years at Ellsworth Air Force Base 
over two stints. As a member of the 28th Bomb Wing, Isaman said 
teamwork was key to the success of any operation, as well as to the 
success of the Wing and the Base. ``We were all friends. Everyone 
looked out after each other. It was a team. It worked together. They 
all stood together. We would do anything possible for other crews and 
squadrons.''
  The Air Force introduced the next generation of bombers, the B-1B 
Lancer, in 1987, and once again, the 28th took the lead in housing the 
sleek new bombers. Adding to its already storied combat experience, the 
wing deployed

[[Page S10241]]

both tanker and airborne command post aircraft to Operations Desert 
Shield/Desert Storm. Following action in the Persian Gulf, B-1's were 
taken off alert, and the world began to settle into the post-cold war 
era. The 28th Bomb Wing, successful in protecting the United States for 
five decades began the transition from the strategic role to an all-
conventional mission. Once again, the 28th shone brightly as the bomb 
wing successfully participated in the congressionally directed 
operational readiness assessment known as Dakota Challenge in 1994. The 
77th Bomb Squadron was activated at Ellsworth Air Force Base in April 
1997, and the 28th Bomb Wing will continue to stand tall as the 
``Pioneer of Peace for the 21st Century.''
  I strongly support the B-1B program and share the view of the Air 
Force that the B-1B is the backbone of our bomber force. It deserves 
this reputation because of the versatility, efficiency, and 
effectiveness of the craft. To the flight crews as well as the ground 
support, administrative staff, security personnel, base support, and 
hospital personnel who served and continue to serve as part of the 
28th, I salute and commend your efforts. The active duty members, 
families, and retirees have forged an unbreakable bond with the 
communities of Box Elder and Rapid City.
  Mr. President, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of 
those associated with Ellsworth and the Air Force for their impressive 
efforts and for their commitment to South Dakota and the United States. 
I know they have had an illustrious past, and I know they will continue 
their success in the future. Their missions will continue, although 
modified to fit the requirements of the post-cold war world, and I have 
no doubt that they will continue to be the ``first to fight with 
decisive combat airpower that achieves the aims of the combatant 
commander's campaign'' as their mission states. Best wishes for another 
50 years of pride and success.

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