[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 40 (Wednesday, April 1, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S3009]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE U.S. AIR FORCE RESERVE

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the United 
States Air Force Reserve on its 50th Anniversary, which will be 
celebrated across the country on April 14, 1998. The United States Air 
Force Reserve can trace its heritage back to the National Defense Act 
of 1916 which authorized a reserve corps of 2,300 officer and enlisted 
aviators. In 1917, the War Department established the First Reserve 
Aero Squadron. However, the Air Reserve was not formally established 
until after World War II.
  On July 26, 1947, the National Security Act was signed into law by 
President Truman. This act established the United States Air Force as a 
separate branch of our Nation's armed forces. On April 14, 1948, just 
seven months later, the U.S. Air Force Reserve was established. On 
April 27, 1948, the Air Reserve was transferred to the Air Force. In 
October 1948, President Truman directed the services to revamp their 
reserve components. As a result, the Air Force established the position 
of Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff for Reserve Forces to 
oversee the Air Reserve. The first person to fill this position was Lt. 
Gen. Elwood R. Quesada. On December 1, 1948, the Air Force established 
the Continental Air Command (CONAC) at Mitchell Air Force Base, New 
York. The CONAC's mission was to administer all Air Reserve programs. 
After the establishment of the CONAC, the Air Reserve's mission became 
more coherent and diversified.
  Since its humble beginnings during World War I, the Air Force Reserve 
has seen many dramatic changes as it has built itself into the world-
class force it is today. Over the past fifty years the men and women of 
the Air Force Reserve have served with honor and distinction during the 
1961 Berlin Crisis and the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, and in the major 
conflicts of Korea, Vietnam and in the Persian Gulf. Major General 
Robert A. McIntosh, the Commander of the Air Force Reserve Command, 
recently summarized the remarkable accomplishments of the Air Force 
Reserve. He said, ``In five decades, we moved from a standby force, 
training on obsolete and war-weary airplanes, to a front-line force 
that is more capable than the air forces of many nations. We are a role 
model for keeping unique capabilities in a military framework without 
spending the money that a large full-time military requires.''
  As the Air Force Reserve celebrates its Golden Anniversary this 
month, we recognize that the Air Force Reserve truly does have a golden 
legacy. It is a legacy that we should all take time to reflect upon and 
honor. Regardless of any future threat our Nation may face, the Air 
Force Reserve will meet the challenge just as they always have. Air 
Force Reservists deserve the respect and gratitude of all Americans for 
their service and their sacrifice for our country. These volunteers 
exemplify daily their dedication to the ideals that make our country 
great.
  In Michigan, the 927th Air Refueling Wing at Selfridge Air National 
Guard Base will celebrate the Air Reserve's 50th Anniversary. The 927th 
ARW flies KC-135E Stratotankers to fulfill its mission of providing 
Global Reach for United States air power. The 927th has a rich history 
of service which includes missions in Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and 
Bosnia. We in Michigan are very proud of the job the 927th is doing for 
our nation.
  I know my Senate colleagues join me in celebrating the 50th 
Anniversary of the United States Air Force Reserve.

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