[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 127 (Friday, August 26, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1533]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS 
                        STATION AT CAMP ROBERTS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 26, 2011

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Satellite 
Communications Station at Camp Roberts, California, for fifty years of 
service to our nation. Nestled in the rolling rangeland of California's 
Central Coast, Camp Roberts has a long continuous tradition dating back 
to WWII of training soldiers for the active duty Army and Army National 
Guard. Many veterans remember Camp Roberts for its beautiful vistas and 
searing summer heat. But there is a lesser known side of Camp Roberts 
history and continuing service.
  Half a century ago, at the dawn of the satellite age, defense 
engineers focused on Camp Roberts for its ideal location for 
communicating with satellites stationed over the Pacific Ocean. The 
Department of Defense installed a satellite communications terminal on 
a remote hill in the center of Camp Roberts in support of the then 
nacent Defense Communications Satellite Program. It was the first 
world-wide strategic communications station of its kind to be 
established. Today, the Camp Roberts Satellite Communications Station, 
provides highly reliable, relevant, and unique advanced communications 
that are crucial to the combat effectiveness of the Armed Forces of the 
U.S., and critical to our national security.
  This station is the premier Gateway for the Department of Defense, 
providing joint interoperable communications capabilities and the full 
spectrum of communications services in direct support to the President, 
Secretary of Defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Combatant Commanders, 
Department of Defense components, Warfighters, and civil authorities.
  Camp Roberts Satellite Communications Station is one of the oldest 
and most prestigious operational signal assets belonging to the U.S. 
Department of Defense. Since its inception a half-century ago, the Camp 
Roberts Satellite Communications Station has flawlessly executed 
critical communications support during the most pivotal times in our 
nation's history. The unsung heroes of the Satellite Communications 
Station at Camp Roberts have been vital to the success of every major 
conflict from the fall of Saigon to the killing of Osama bin Laden, 
every space shuttle launch, and every disaster relief effort since 
Hurricane Katrina. Every day they contribute to global stability and 
national security and help protect the lives of the men and women 
serving our nation in harm's way. Indeed this House approved last year 
funding for a major expansion of the station and its capacity.
  Mr. Speaker, I know that I speak for the whole House in commending 
the men and women who have served at the Camp Roberts Satellite 
Communications Station over the course of the past fifty years. Their 
efforts are not forgotten. And on the occasion of this anniversary, I 
want to particularly single out those on duty today, for their 
unceasing efforts are indeed the true monument to this important 
milestone in the history of our nation's defense.