[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 162 (Wednesday, October 26, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1936]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF NAVAL AIR STATION LEMOORE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 26, 2011

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary of 
Naval Air Station Lemoore (NASL) and the Century Anniversary of United 
States Naval Aviation. The NASL has been home to many historical 
milestones and an asset in providing safety and security for the people 
of the San Joaquin Valley, California, the Western Front and our great 
nation.
  On July 8, 1961, NASL was commissioned and began its operation under 
the command of Captain Howard M. Avery. At the time, the commissioning 
ceremony included over 110,000 people and the military asset was worth 
$100 million. Over its 50 year history, the base has seen its fair 
share of challenges to maintain the support of the Western Front. 
Initially a small 1,460-acre Army Airfield, the base has grown to a 
31,000-acre state of the art facility that provides housing to its 
residents.
  NAS Lemoore has been a pioneer in firsts. The first flag ceremony was 
held in front of the administration building in September 1960; the 
first 800 Capeheart units were built in 1961; and the first night 
landing with Commander Vernon Binion and Lieutenant Commander Thomas 
Dreis in October 1960 on the 13,500 foot runway. Perhaps a less 
mentioned piece of history in the Navy is the Women Accepted for 
Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVE). The first WAVE officer was a woman 
from Honolulu in February 1961, Lieutenant Junior Grade Sue Ann Rice; 
long way from home taking a chance to serve her country and found her 
way to our community of Lemoore.
  Naval air stations are an integral part of the United States 
Military. As of 2010, our nation boasted 19 naval air stations with a 
concentration in California and Florida. In a world of post September 
11 vigilance, these stations provide the Navy with a stationary base of 
operations for aircraft-related testing and training. Since 1998, the 
principal mission of NASL is to support Strike-Fighter Wing, U.S. 
Pacific Fleet and its mission to train, man, and equip West Coast 
Strike-Fighter squadrons. Throughout its history, the United States has 
seen many wars, presidents and difficult times. Nonetheless, its armed 
men and women have consistently been there to protect us.
  Today we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Naval Air Station 
Lemoore and the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation. This anniversary 
is not only a great tribute to this important military base, but also 
an excellent time to thank our men and women in uniform who continue to 
protect the people of our great country every day. I ask my colleagues 
to recognize today the protectors of freedom, the sentinels of our 
shores and the falcons of our skies, the brave soldiers of the United 
States Navy.

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