[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 12 (Thursday, February 10, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S640-S641]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       ACKNOWLEDGING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE 150TH FIGHTER WING

 Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President I rise today to salute the 150th 
Security Forces Squadron and the 150th Civil Engineering Squadron of 
the New Mexico Air National Guard.
  Federally recognized on July 7, 1947 as the 188th Fighter Bomber 
Squadron, the ``Tacos'' have contributed significantly to U.S. military 
operations in Korea, Vietnam, Bosnia, Iraq, and are scheduled to deploy 
to Turkey next January as part of Operation Northern Watch. During 
their 52-year history, the Tacos were the first Air National Guard unit 
to be converted to the F-100 aircraft in 1958 and the A-7D aircraft in 
1973. Since 1970, when the 150th Fighter Wing evolved into a joint 
support force, the Tacos have been utilized by every branch of our 
Armed Forces except for the Coast Guard.
  The Tacos are characteristic of the many exceptional units that 
comprise our Nation's Reserve and National Guard, and I have no doubt 
that they will continue to ensure the success of our military missions 
both domestically and abroad. I would ask that my colleagues join me in 
thanking them for their dedicated service.
  I recently received a letter from General A.C. Zinni, the U.S. Marine 
Corps Commander in Chief commending the Tacos for their distinguished 
service and the substantial role they played in the success of 
Operation Southern Watch. I ask that General A.C. Zinni's letter be 
printed in the Record.
  The letter follows:

                                             U.S. Central Command,


                             Office of the Commander in Chief,

                     MacDill Air Force Base, FL, January 20, 2000.
     Hon. Pete V. Domenici,
     U.S. Senate, Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Domenici: I would like to take this 
     opportunity to highlight the deployment this past year by 
     members of the 150th Security Forces Squadron and the 150th 
     Civil Engineering Squadron, New Mexico Air National Guard, to 
     the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. These units 
     are but two of many outstanding Reserve

[[Page S641]]

     and National Guard units to deploy to Central Command's area 
     of responsibility and contribute to the success of Operation 
     SOUTHERN WATCH.
       The capability and enthusiasm demonstrated by the members 
     of the 150th Security Forces Squadron and the 150th Civil 
     Engineering Squadron reflected great credit on themselves and 
     the professionalism of Reserve and National Guard units 
     throughout the nation. The participation of units like these 
     significantly contributes to our overall effort in support of 
     Operation SOUTHERN WATCH and allows the services to ensure a 
     more responsible and efficient utilization of the total 
     force.
       Please convey my sincere appreciation and thanks to the 
     airmen of these great organizations and their employers for 
     their outstanding support and patriotism to the nation in 
     this vital part of the world.
           Respectfully,
     A. C. Zinni,
       General, U.S. Marine Corps, Commander in Chief.

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