[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 93 (Monday, June 11, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1244]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    TRIBUTE TO THE 440TH AIRLIFT WING BASED IN MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 7, 2007

  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
440th Airlift Wing's long and distinguished history. It was formed in 
1943 at Baer Field in Indiana, but has been based at General Mitchell 
International Airport--Air Reserve Station located in the Fourth 
Congressional District, since 1957. The airport and Air Reserve Station 
are both named in honor of Brig. Gen. William Mitchell, the Milwaukeean 
who is considered the ``father'' of the modern Air Force.
  After moving to Milwaukee, the 440th Troop Carrier Group became the 
440th Airlift Wing and in 1967, underwent another name change becoming 
the Reserve Tactical Airlift Wing. The 440th has received many honors 
including: the Air Force Association's Outstanding Reserve Unit during 
1963, 1964, 1966 and 1968; the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with 
Palm, 1968: 14 Feb--11 Mar for airlift operations to the Vietnam 
Theater; the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the period Oct 1985--
30 Sep 1987; the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the period 2 Oct 
1992--2 Oct 1993; the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the period 1 
Jun 1997--30 Sep 1998; and in 1998 received the highest score for a 
Reserve Unit in two years. In 1989, the 440th was equipped with eight 
new C-130s. The first C-130H was dubbed ``The Spirit of Wisconsin.''
  The 440th has performed admirably in virtually every US combat 
theater and tactical operation including: the Cuban Missile Crisis; 
Vietnam Conflict; Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield in the 
Persian Gulf States; and was the first wing unit to deploy members on 
Anti-Terror Operations after the September 11, 2001 assault on America. 
In fact, ``The Flying Badgers'' have been constantly available to 
provide airlift support, superb aircraft maintenance and security 
training and support.
  In 2006 the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) ordered 
the 440th to be reassigned to Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina. 
Flight operations in Milwaukee will end in June, 2007 and will resume 
at the Wing's new location at Pope AFB.
  Madam Speaker, for these reasons, I am honored to pay tribute to the 
440th for their stellar performance, dedication and service to my 
district and to the nation.

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