[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 135 (Saturday, November 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE MISSISSIPPI MILITARY COMMUNITY FOR ITS SUPPORT DURING 
                             HURRICANE IVAN

                                 ______
                                 

                   HON. CHARLES W. ``CHIP'' PICKERING

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 19, 2004

  Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I would like to share with Congress the 
actions of some of Mississippi's often unsung heroes and their recent 
efforts in the face of a mighty storm.
  The damaging effects and extraordinary loss caused by Hurricane Ivan 
cannot help but make a lasting impression on anyone who sees them. For 
those of us who love the Gulf Coast, with its deep beauty and usually 
gentle but sometimes ferocious character, this is especially poignant. 
We also understand the value of community when facing a disaster like 
Hurricane Ivan. Although many contributed to the preparation and 
recovery from Ivan, I would like to take a moment to recognize an 
extraordinary group of our neighbors that never seek recognition: our 
Mississippi military community.
  On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, during the 2004 hurricane season, the 
53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron once again earned the right to 
call themselves the ``Hurricane Hunters.'' The 53rd flew nearly every 
day after July 30th, sometimes into two different storms 
simultaneously. Because of their courage and professionalism, those of 
us back home and across the nation were able to track Ivan, properly 
prepare our communities, and--as the 53rd has allowed us so many times 
in the past--save lives.
  The Naval Air Station Meridian Team of military, civilians and 
contractors worked selflessly and shoulder to shoulder to provide a 
safe haven for those caught in Ivan's path. Station aircraft were 
sortied or otherwise safeguarded. NAS Meridian provided Air Traffic 
Control and refueling services to over 90 aircraft evacuating Whiting 
Field in Milton, Florida. They provided food, shelter and support 
throughout the storm to over 1,000 evacuees and 100 pets. Neighbors 
rose to the occasion to make sure there was room for everyone. Many 
families living in base housing opened their homes to friends and 
comrades from Gulf Coast units. In Ivan's aftermath, evacuees were 
assured care until it was safe to return to their homes in south 
Mississippi and coastal Alabama and Florida. Station crews went 
immediately to work with their neighbors to care for the community. 
Most impressively, this team of highly dedicated and skilled 
professionals fully restored the base to resume the business of the 
nation within hours of the storm's passage.
  As Ivan approached, Columbus Air Force Base crews were hard at work 
providing a safe location for Coast Guard aircraft caught in the path 
of the hurricane. The Federal Emergency Management Agency also 
recognized that Columbus had a great deal to offer and quickly 
established a staging area on base. Evacuees seeking refuge in north 
Mississippi were also assured shelter. Just like at NAS Meridian, the 
outstanding staff and base volunteers went immediately to work and 
quickly restored their base and community moments after the storm 
passed by.
  Our National Guardsmen continue to inspire and impress. With nearly 
half of Mississippi's Guard troops mobilized in support of Operations 
Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, our Adjutant General 
made available the state's remaining forces to support those along 
Ivan's projected course, as well as in communities devastated by 
previous storms in Florida. In south Mississippi, troops were arriving 
long before Ivan made landfall. After the storm, our Guard made a 
tremendous difference in getting badly required relief to those who 
needed it most. Regardless of the threat, I take great comfort in 
knowing our Guardsmen are on the job looking after us here at home and 
abroad.

  We Mississippians have repeatedly witnessed the unique capabilities 
of our SEABEES across the globe and over the years, but we will always 
remember their support after Hurricane Camille ravaged our state in 
1969. Although we were fortunate to not bear the brunt of Ivan, our 
Gulfport SEABEES proved they were there for those that did. I was most 
impressed with their ability to, within 18 hours of Hurricane Ivan's 
passing, put large numbers of people, equipment and logistics support 
from the Construction Battalion Center Gulfport on the most critical 
disaster recovery and service restoration missions at NAS Pensacola. We 
Mississippians are proud of our SEABEES, deployed in Iraq and elsewhere 
around the world, and know from first hand experience that they will 
always be true to their motto ``with Compassion for others--we build, 
we fight--for peace with freedom.''
  In peace or war, against the terrors of evil men or the ravages of 
nature, Mississippians seek to secure our homes and neighbors from 
danger. From Columbus to Keesler and Pascagoula to the Stennis Space 
Center, Mississippi continues to show that we have the full military 
package: our citizens serve bravely in our armed forces both 
domestically and abroad; our bases train and prepare our nation's top 
pilots and troops; our universities provide cutting edge military 
research and technology; while our manufacturers produce vehicles, 
radar and aircraft our forces need for their missions. In my district, 
I am particularly proud to count as neighbors the Navy's finest 
advanced jet-training base and two of the National Guard's premiere air 
wings. Our individual Mississippi National Guardsmen do tremendous work 
every day to safeguard the defense of our great nation. We 
Mississippians greatly appreciate that the patriots who so nobly 
operate our bases are also the neighbors who stand with us in the face 
of terrorism and disasters like Hurricane Ivan. To them I offer my 
gratitude, and the thanks of their fellow Mississippians.

                          ____________________