[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 195 (Wednesday, December 19, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S16056]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      U.S. AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND

  Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, this year marks the 25th anniversary of 
the U.S. Air Force Space Command. In 1982, the U.S. Air Force created 
the U.S. Air Force Space Command to defend North America through its 
space and intercontinental ballistic operations. Since its creation, 
Air Force Space Command has become a leader in defense capabilities. 
They provide a significant portion of U.S. Strategic Command's 
warfighting capabilities, including missile warning, strategic 
deterrence, and space-based surveillance capabilities. They now monitor 
space radars providing vital information on the location of satellites 
and space debris for the Nation and the world.
  Today, nearly 25 years after the establishment of U.S. Air Force 
Space Command, space plays an even more important role in national 
security. The current war on terror requires extensive use of space-
based communications, GPS and meteorological data to effectively 
prosecute military operations. The United States relies on space for 
warfighting capabilities, missile defense, and strategic deterrence. 
Air Force Space Command has been a leader in this area and remains a 
critical component of national security.
  I would also like to recognize the men and women of Air Force Space 
Command. Their hard work and dedication provide vital support to our 
military and the security of this Nation. They have been instrumental 
in disaster relief and homeland defense. I thank them for their service 
to the Nation.
  Mr. President, I am proud ask that the Senate unanimously pass this 
resolution today recognizing the contributions and achievements of Air 
Force Space Command over the past 25 years.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution 
be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider 
be laid upon the table.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 389) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 389

       Whereas, on September 1, 1982, the United States Air Force 
     created the United States Air Force Space Command to defend 
     North America through its space and intercontinental 
     ballistic missile operations;
       Whereas 2007 marks the 25th year of excellence and service 
     of Air Force Space Command to the United States of America;
       Whereas the mission of Air Force Space Command is to 
     deliver trained and ready airmen with unrivaled space 
     capabilities to defend the United States;
       Whereas Air Force Space Command organizes, trains, and 
     equips forces to supply combatant commanders with the space 
     and intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities to defend 
     the United States and its national interests;
       Whereas Air Force Space Command's ground-based radar and 
     Defense Support Program satellites monitor ballistic missile 
     launches around the world to guard against a surprise missile 
     attack on North America;
       Whereas Air Force Space Command provides a significant 
     portion of United States Strategic Command's war fighting 
     capabilities, including missile warning, strategic 
     deterrence, and space-based surveillance capabilities;
       Whereas Air Force Space Command space radar provide vital 
     information on the location of satellites and space debris 
     for the Nation and the world;
       Whereas the current war on terror requires extensive use of 
     space-based communications, global positioning systems, and 
     meteorological data to effectively prosecute military 
     operations;
       Whereas Air Force Space Command provides war fighters with 
     ``high ground'' through satellite communications and 
     positioning and timing data for ground and air operations and 
     weapons delivery;
       Whereas Air Force Space Command deployed helicopters to the 
     Gulf Coast region during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina 
     to deliver meals, water, and medical supplies and to conduct 
     search and rescue operations;
       Whereas the work done by the men and women of Air Force 
     Space Command is vital to our military, making the Nation 
     more combat effective and helping save lives every day; and
       Whereas Air Force Space Command advocates space 
     capabilities and systems for all unified commands and 
     military services, and collectively provides space 
     capabilities America needs today and in the future: Now, 
     therefore, be it
         Resolved, That the Senate--
         (1) recognizes the contributions made by Air Force Space 
     Command to the security of the United States; and
         (2) commemorates Air Force Space Command's 25 years of 
     excellence and service to the Nation.

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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