[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 114 (Friday, July 11, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S6600]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RETIREMENT OF GENERAL MICHAEL MOSELEY

  Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to say a few 
words about the retirement of GEN T. Michael Moseley.
  This morning at Bolling Air Force Base, the Air Force said farewell 
to its 18th Chief of Staff. Buzz Moseley faced a staggering array of 
challenges during his tenure: Recapitalizing and modernizing the oldest 
inventory of aircraft in the history of the Air Force, training and 
developing young airmen in a tumultuous time, and sustaining ongoing 
operations in two theatres of war as well as a worldwide fight against 
al-Qaida. Buzz tackled those significant challenges head-on, and made 
substantial progress in addressing each of them. The crucial role 
played by the Air Force in the current fight is often and unfortunately 
overlooked.
  Over the past 12 months, the Air Force has identified some serious 
lapses in attention to the nuclear mission. There were significant 
problems, and General Moseley took immediate action to strengthen 
compliance and discipline, heighten attention to detail and execution, 
expand inspection and evaluation, and broadly refocus the service on 
the nuclear mission. He and Secretary Michael Wynne have not received 
the credit they deserved for their efforts. But even if General Moseley 
will not be the one to oversee the conclusion of these efforts, there 
is no doubt that the Air Force will be building on the solid 
foundations laid by Buzz as it continues to aim for the zero-defect 
standard the American people are entitled to expect when it comes to 
nuclear weapons.
  The U.S. Air Force has always held its airmen and leaders to the 
highest standards, and in my view, Buzz Moseley consistently exceeded 
them throughout more than 36 years of service. He was an outstanding 
leader for the Air Force, and he should be proud of what he 
accomplished there. Our country owes him a deep debt of gratitude. It 
has been an honor to work with him over the years. But more than that, 
it has been an honor to call him my friend. This great American goes 
into his retirement with my deepest appreciation. Our fellow citizens 
should know he is a great patriot who protected our freedoms at great 
personal sacrifice and with real distinction. GEN Buzz Moseley is among 
our very best.

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