[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 16, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S6188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, NEW MEXICO

 Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I wish to speak about the 
importance of Cannon Air Force Base, NM.
  Cannon Air Force Base's primary mission is an F-16 fighter wing able 
to perform day or night operations. However, the base is currently 
undergoing an exciting transition to be an Air Force special operations 
base. I am excited about this mission and the work that will be done in 
eastern New Mexico, but with every new mission, we must also remember 
prior missions.
  Today I want to commemorate the last mission of the 27th Fighter 
Wing's 523rd Fighter Squadron, which was flown on May 10, 2007, as the 
523rd is being deactivated in preparation for Cannon's new mission.
  The 523rd Fighter Squadron has a unique history that dates back to 
well before their time in New Mexico. It was established on February 1, 
1940, as a bombardment squadron with B-18s. The squadron arrived at 
Cannon in 1959. One of its missions from Cannon came after September 
11, 2001, when the 523rd flew 24-hour-per-day operations in defense of 
our Nation.
  This fighter squadron will not be the last to leave Cannon Air Force 
Base, as other departures are expected in this summer and fall as well 
as next spring. However, the 523rd Fighter Squadron has long been a 
vital part of our Nation's defense as well as Cannon's 27th Fighter 
Wing, and I am proud of all of the men and women who have served in the 
523rd.
  Today I want to honor them, as well as all of the men and women who 
have served at Cannon Air Force Base. I am proud New Mexico has been 
home to so many outstanding individuals, and I look forward to working 
with more such soldiers as Cannon Air Force Base transitions to an Air 
Force special operations base in October.

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