[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 69 (Friday, May 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E901-E902]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCING A JOINT RESOLUTION HONORING THE 102ND FIGHTER WING OF THE 
                    MASSACHUSETTS AIR NATIONAL GUARD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 2002

  Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, without question, September 11th, 2001 was 
one of the most tragic days in our nation's history. Millions of lives 
were adversely affected by the terrorist acts that were perpetrated in 
New York City, Washington, DC and Pennsylvania. However, like so many 
times before, Americans from across the country rose to the challenge 
of defending this great nation. Out of this dark period came amazing 
stories of heroism, patriotism and selflessness. Today, I rise to 
introduce a joint resolution, on behalf of the Massachusetts 
Congressional delegation, that pays tribute to a group of men and women 
who played an indispensable role in defense of the nation during and 
following September's terrorist attacks.
  Before most of America could come to grips with what was happening on 
the morning of September 11th, the 102nd Fighter Wing of the 
Massachusetts Air National Guard, located at Otis Air National Guard 
Base, had assumed its position as the tip of the spear in defense of 
the nation's skies. Known as the Minutemen, in honor of their 
Revolutionary War forefathers, the 102nd became the nation's first 
airborne responders when it scrambled two F-15s just six minutes after 
being informed of the hijackings. Within the first hour, the wing 
launched six armed aircraft on Combat Air Patrol over New York City and 
Boston. Incredibly, with significantly fewer pilots and maintainers 
than their active duty counterparts, the 102nd generated, loaded and 
accepted fourteen aircraft in less than seventeen hours for around-the-
clock combat operations. As a result of its ability to respond so 
quickly and effectively, the 102nd Fighter Wing became the country's 
lead air defense squadron for Operation Noble Eagle.
  In the first three days of the national crisis, the 102nd flew forty-
six sorties and better than 160 hours protecting every major city in 
the Northeast Air Defense Sector. During this period, the 102nd was the 
country's sole clearance and identification authority and their 
flawless execution expedited the flow of medevac

[[Page E902]]

and recovery aircraft to the World Trade Center site. By day sixteen, 
the squadron had tripled its alert commitment, flying 144 sorties 
totaling 450 hours, and expanded its area of responsibility to include 
the entire mid-Atlantic coast.
  From September 11th until receiving orders to stand down on February 
1, 2002, the 102nd Fighter Wing flew a total of 770 sorties, compiling 
over 3200 hours in direct support of Operation Noble Eagle and Combat 
Air Patrols over New York, Washington DC, and Boston. During this 
nearly five-month period, the unit came close to surpassing their 
annual flying hour allocation and witnessed an astounding 300 percent 
increase in operational tempo. The operation tempo increase included 
such tasking as escorting Air Force 1 and Air Force 2, providing air 
support when the President addressed the United Nations, and patrolling 
the skies over New York City during baseball's World Series. Hopefully, 
that venue will be in Boston this fall!
  Especially noteworthy was the twenty-four hours a day, seven days a 
week aspect of the operation. Normally, major aircraft maintenance can 
be accomplished during non-flying periods, and all maintenance 
personnel can concentrate on fixing the jets instead of flying. 
Naturally, this is not possible with an around-the-clock flying 
commitment. However, the 102nd's maintenance crews rose to the 
challenge and were able to provide fully mission capable aircraft that 
enabled the squadron to meet 100 percent of its Combat Air Patrol and 
alert tasking. If that were not amazing enough, in addition to 
fulfilling its own missions, the 102nd, as a result of the superior 
maintenance efforts, were able to fill in for other units when those 
units could not meet their tasking.
  When you take into account the accomplishments of the unit during 
this period, you cannot help but have a deep sense of honor and 
appreciation for the 1000 men and women that make up the 102nd Fighter 
Wing. No single flying organization has ever been tasked with this 
level of responsibility for such a long period of time. Make no 
mistake; every American owes each one of these citizen air-men and 
women a debt of gratitude to them for their hard work, dedication and 
tireless commitment to ensuring the operational success of each and 
every mission.
  Earlier this month the 102nd's achievements were properly recognized 
when the wing was selected as the 2002 recipient of the Winston P. 
Wilson Trophy, given to the country's most outstanding Air National 
Guard fighter unit. Additionally, the 102nd is a finalist for the 2002 
Hughes award, which recognizes the top fighter unit in the entire 
United States Air Force. The professional qualities and dedication to 
duty demonstrated this year by the unit were without equal and it is 
this Member's opinion the 102nd Fighter Wing is deserving of this honor 
as well.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, let me say that even before the events of 
September 11th, the men and women of the 102nd Fighter Wing personified 
the true meaning of patriotism. The Fighter Wing has a long and 
distinguished history of service to the people of Massachusetts and the 
nation. I am extremely honored to have the 102nd Fighter Wing in my 
state and particularly proud to know that when the nation called for 
its most capable fighters to protect America's skies, the 102nd Fighter 
Wing responded in true Minuteman fashion. It is my hope that Congress 
will acknowledge the tremendous efforts of the 102nd Fighter Wing by 
considering and ultimately passing this resolution.

                          ____________________