[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 106 (Friday, July 29, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9421-S9422]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RETIREMENT OF GENERAL GREGORY S. MARTIN, USAF

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, today I have the distinct privilege and 
honor of rising to pay tribute, on the announcement of his retirement, 
to one of our Nation's greatest generals, and my good friend, Gen. 
Gregory S. Martin of the U.S. Air Force. When I first met the general 
over 2 years ago, I knew immediately that his reputation of being an 
extraordinary leader was true.
  From the beginning of his career at the Air Force Academy, where he 
was named the National Collegiate Parachuting Champion, to his current 
command of Air Force Materiel Command, excellence has been the defining 
characteristic of General Martin's career.
  As a young fighter pilot, he flew combat missions over Vietnam and 
served as a mission commander during Operations Linebacker I and 
Linebacker II. I do not have to remind my colleagues that these two air 
campaigns were instrumental in securing the release of our prisoners of 
war from Vietnam.
  General Martin has served in a number of capacities including 
Commander

[[Page S9422]]

of the 479th Tactical Training Wing at Holloman Air Force Base, NM; the 
33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, FL; and 1st Fighter Wing at 
Langley Air Force Base, VA.
  The Senate began to learn more about General Martin's reputation when 
he was confirmed as Commander of United States Air Forces in Europe and 
Commander of Allied Forces Northern Europe. In this capacity, during 
Operation Enduring Freedom he directed airdrop support for United 
States and allied forces as well as Afghani refugees. The following 
year, General Martin provided deployment support, combat airdrop 
operations, and all air delivered sustainment support for Operation 
Iraqi Freedom.
  As a testament to his effectiveness as a leader, not only did General 
Martin accomplish these tasks for his Nation, but he also earned the 
respect and dedication of the Air Force enlisted personnel who served 
with him. This was reflected in the decision of the Air Force's 
enlisted personnel to honor General Martin with the Order of the Sword, 
the highest tribute the Air Force enlisted corps can pay to a 
commander.
  After this successful tour of duty, General Martin was confirmed to 
his present post as Commander of the Air Force Materiel Command at 
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH. As Commander, Air Force Materiel 
Command, General Martin leads more than 78,000 men and women of the 
world's most respected air and space force, and he is all too eager to 
state that this has been the most satisfying assignment in his career.
  During his tenure, General Martin transformed Air Force Materiel 
Command, which is charged with delivering on-time, on-budget war-
winning capabilities to our Nation's warfighters as well as providing 
``cradle to grave'' management of every Air Force weapons system. 
General Martin led the development of a new Air Force Science and 
Technology vision that will guide critical research and development 
work for decades to come. He strengthened, unified, and streamlined the 
Air Force Program Executive Office to ensure more effective acquisition 
support for current and future Air force weapon systems. He led the 
implementation of Continuous Process Improvement initiatives within the 
Air Force logistics and sustainment activities, achieving the best on-
time, on-cost performance in the history of our Air Force logistics 
centers. Under General Martin's leadership, the Air Force Materiel 
Command returned $570 million last year to the Department of Defense to 
support the global war on terrorism. That is how good this man is, and 
the people who serve with time.
  All that being said, none of these accomplishments would have been 
possible without the support of his wife, General Martin's high school 
sweetheart. They have been married for 35 years. I know I join a 
grateful Nation in saying thank you to Wendy for the sacrifices she had 
made for her husband and for her country throughout the years.
  As I conclude my remarks on the announcement of the General's 
retirement, I am reminded of the Air Force's motto: No one comes close. 
That is how I would describe General Martin: no one comes close.
  Mr. President, on a personal note, General Martin's call sign is 
``Speedy''. There is good reason for that. He is one of the most 
efficient, revered and honored generals in the history of the Air 
Force. He is a person who has given a great deal to our country. He 
deserves a great deal of respect. He is a man of honor. My remarks do 
not even begin to do justice for this great man, his wife, and those 
who have served with him in the Air Force and in the defense of our 
country over all of these years. This is a man who makes a difference. 
This is a man who I hate to see retire because there is nobody better. 
However, I wish him well in retirement. Speedy Martin deserves a great 
retirement, and if he wishes a greater opportunity to continue to serve 
in whatever capacity he wants for the rest of his life. Until then, we 
salute him and let him know that we have appreciated the great service 
he has given to our country. We appreciate him as a person and as an 
example to all of us.
  I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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