[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 11 (Thursday, February 12, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S779]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              SOUTH DAKOTANS DEPLOYED TO THE PERSIAN GULF

   Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I want to take this opportunity 
to thank the brave South Dakotans who are part of the latest deployment 
of American troops to the Persian Gulf. The men and women from 
Ellsworth Air Force Base and the South Dakota Air National Guard embody 
the spirit of all Americans by assisting the international effort to 
rid Iraq of nuclear and biological weapons.
  Saddam Hussein's deportation of United Nations weapons inspectors and 
his continued obstruction of international monitoring efforts clearly 
show that Iraq does not desire to live by international rules of peace 
and commerce.
  We now face the possibility of using force against Saddam Hussein to 
ensure that Iraq does not develop the capability to make and use 
weapons of mass destruction, and our thoughts and prayers are with our 
American troops stationed overseas and their families back home. We 
have faith in the readiness of our troops and know that, if called 
upon, they will succeed in their mission. The 114th Fighter Wing of the 
South Dakota Air National Guard will be enforcing the no-fly zone over 
southern Iraq, a task they have performed since 1992. The recent 
deployment is also a historic occasion for Ellsworth Air Force Base 
because it marks the first time B-1 bombers have been deployed in a 
potential military conflict.
  I am a strong supporter of the National Guard working alongside 
active duty personnel in response to future emergencies, both at home 
and abroad. The Persian Gulf War was the truest test of this strategy 
and illustrated the Guard's ability to be trained, mobilized, deployed, 
fight alongside active duty personnel, and demobilized in response to a 
national emergency. As you know, Mr. President, South Dakota National 
Guard participated in that impressive effort.
  The National Guard's effectiveness further proved itself in the 
natural disasters of the past few years. Our state is indebted to the 
National Guard for its stellar performance in the recent past in 
helping communities deal with crises ranging from flood waters to snow 
drifts.
  I join all South Dakotans in wishing our troops from Ellsworth Air 
Force Base and the South Dakota Air National Guard a safe and 
successful completion of their mission as they protect our interests 
overseas.

                          ____________________