[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 125 (Monday, September 30, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1698]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         116TH AIR CONTROL WING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SAXBY CHAMBLISS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 26, 2002

  Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Armed Services 
Committee, I support many of the transformation initiatives our 
military is undertaking. Through the vision and leadership of Secretary 
Roche and General Jumper, the Air Force has been a leading proponent of 
transformation. The Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, or 
JSTARS, and the 116th Air National Guard unit at Robins Air Force Base 
are a prime example of a transformational mission. These unique units 
are on the verge of becoming even more transformational as they blend 
Air National Guard personnel into the active JSTARS unit.
  On Monday, September 30, 2002 the Guard's 116th Bomb Wing and the 
active duty 93rd Air Control Wing will merge into a first of its kind 
``blended Wing.'' The new wing will operate all of the Air Force's 
Joint STARS aircraft. It is a mission of considerable importance. The 
J-STARS aircraft can find and track moving targets on the ground 
hundreds of miles into enemy territory and are prized assets and 
constantly in demand by theater commanders.
  Developing a blended unit has proven to be a daunting task. However, 
the Air Force and members of both the 93rd Air Control wing and the 
116th Bomb Wing have stepped up to the plate and cleared every hurdle 
in their way. Secretary Roche stated that ``Outdated laws and policies 
would have to change to reflect requirements in command-and-control, 
fiscal, and personnel issues,'' and he was right. The members of the 
Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve have worked tirelessly to 
achieve a ``blended wing'' and have done it in an exceptional fashion.
  The Air Force has long been the model of full and seamless 
integration of the Reserve Components. Its Guard and Reserve associate 
programs are long-term success stories that maximize weapon system 
utilization while leveraging the expertise of Guard and Reserve 
personnel. Strong national defense rests on the foundation of a well-
equipped, well-trained and mobile military force. The 116th has been 
and will continue to be the pinnacle of professionalism and honor; and 
will continue to be ready--Anytime-Anywhere.
  I would like to commend the vision, leadership, and stalwart 
dedication that Major General David Poythress, Colonel Tom Lynn, 
Colonel David Fadok, and all the people that helped make this day 
possible. It is the strong commitment by everyone involved to their 
country, to the war-fighter, and to Robins that makes this day truly 
great.

                          ____________________