[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E697]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ``RED KNIGHTS'' OF TRAINING 
                             SQUADRON THREE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 28, 2010

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure I 
rise to recognize the 50th anniversary the Red Knights of Training 
Squadron Three. Through times of war and through times of peace, the 
Red Knights have served our country with great distinction and valor. 
In their commitment and in their sacrifice, Training Squadron Three 
rightfully holds a place in the annals of Naval History as a squadron 
that took immense pride in preparing America's finest youth for the 
defense of our great nation and her ideals. For that reason, I am proud 
to recognize the Red Knights of Squadron Three for their exceptional 
training and excellent performance over the last 50 years.
  With World War II raging in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters 
the demand for trained pilots was at its zenith, and the first squadron 
to bear the name Training Squadron Three was created. Throughout the 
costly struggle with the Axis Alliance that claimed many young pilots, 
Training Squadron Three continued to train pilots for day-to-day 
operations and for the units needed to carry out the final campaigns 
against the Japanese mainland. After the terms of surrender were signed 
by the Japanese, there was little need for multiple training squadrons 
to train an enormous invasion force and Training Squadron Three was 
decommissioned.
  The current Red Knights of Training Squadron Three picked up the 
torch lit by their predecessors on May 1, 1960, and continued the 
legacy of ``Training the Best for America's Defense.'' On that day, 
Training Squadron Three was commissioned with the task of utilizing the 
T-28 Trojan to prepare a younger generation of student naval aviators 
in radio instruments, formation flying and air-to-air gunnery. In 1968, 
at the height of the Vietnam War, Training Squadron Three was at its 
peak size; consisting of 174 instructors, 494 students, 649 enlisted 
and 162 T-28 aircraft. During 1968, Training Squadron Three had flown 
almost 110,000 instructional hours and trained 902 students. These 
impressive figures set the record for any training squadron in the 
history of Naval Air Training command.
  In 1980, Training Squadron Three became the only primary fixed wing 
training squadron to be alternately commanded by a Navy and Marine 
Corps officer. The Red Knights were honored once again in 1994 when 
they became the Navy's first and only joint service primary flight 
training squadron. In 1997, the squadron was selected as the first Navy 
squadron to transition to and fly the T-6 Texan II.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am 
privileged to recognize the Red Knights for going above and beyond the 
call of duty on their 50th anniversary. To this day, the Red Knights of 
Squadron Three continue to provide the highest quality training to 
student aviators from the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force 
and several Allied nations. As they remain resolute and steadfast to do 
their part defending our nation, we must do our part to remember their 
unwavering commitment with our hearts and minds.

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