[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 44 (Thursday, April 1, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S3559]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   GREY BERETS RISKED ALL IN IRAQ WAR

  Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, we have all heard the expression that 
``knowledge is power.'' At no time is this more true than when we are 
at war. Our military uses satellites, reconnaissance aircraft, remote 
sensing devices, and long-range patrols to learn where the enemy is, 
what he is doing, and how we can kill him.
  But there is another type of knowledge which is just as essential if 
we are to be successful in combat. The side which knows and understands 
the weather the best has a large advantage.
  Now, I know some may reply that we do not need to be concerned about 
the weather. We have smart bombs, stealth fighters and guided missiles. 
We have sensing devices which let us see in the darkness. But despite 
this high technology, we still have to give Mother Nature her due. 
Rain, clouds and low visibility can still ground aircraft or hamper 
operations. High temperatures affect men and equipment. Dust storms can 
rapidly render sophisticated machines and electronics unusable.
  Our troops faced many weather extremes as we prepared for the start 
of Operation Iraqi Freedom a year ago. Extreme heat, thunderstorms, and 
dust storms all threatened operations. To learn more about Iraq's 
weather and to gather the data necessary to predict, if possible, 
weather patterns in that country, a group of brave meteorologists 
dropped behind enemy lines. They fed their information to the Air 
Force's 28th Operational Weather Squadron, known as ``The Hub.''
  As detailed in a special being carried by the Weather Channel, the 
United States Air Force dropped its Special Operations Forces 
Weathermen, known as the ``Grey Berets,'' behind enemy lines weeks 
before the beginning of armed conflict. The Grey Berets took 
exceptional risks to gather the data necessary for our Army, Navy and 
Air Force to conduct operations. For example, 5 days before the land 
invasion started, Grey Beret Sgt Charles Rushing waded ashore to gather 
information on fog, surf, and currents to enable a helicopter assault 
team to successfully seize key Iraqi refineries on the Al-Faw peninsula 
before Iraqi troops blew them up.
  After the war began, the Hub reported on the biggest dust storm to 
hit the region in 30 years. The storm, covering over 300 miles, 
shredded tents and clogged engines and lungs. To the north, the storm 
created other problems, by dumping snow and sleet on Bashur Airport, 
the target of the most ambitious combat paratroop assault since World 
War II. The 173d Airborne brigade was flying toward a mountainous drop 
zone while Cpt John Roberts, chief Grey Beret weather forecaster, had 
to make a call on whether the weather would lift long enough for 1,000 
paratroopers to safely make their jump.
  The actions and decisions of these two men are just two examples 
where our Grey Berets helped ensure the success of our troops. There 
are many, many more.
  Mr. President, I commend the Grey Berets for their heroism and 
professionalism and their contributions to our armed services. I also 
thank the Weather Channel for bringing their achievements to wider 
public notice.

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