[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 71 (Thursday, May 17, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H2820]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              70TH ANNIVERSARY OF ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
South Dakota (Mrs. Noem) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. NOEM. Today, I rise to mark a major milestone for an important 
installation in the State of South Dakota. This year is the 70th 
anniversary of Ellsworth Air Force Base. It is a privilege to stand 
here today on the House floor and honor the thousands of airmen who 
have been stationed at Ellsworth. I would like to personally thank 
every single man and woman who has served our Nation and the people of 
South Dakota at this base.
  Ellsworth has played an important role in this country and in our 
Nation's military since World War II. The attack on Pearl Harbor sent 
our country into one of the most destructive wars that the world has 
ever known. Our country needed a large and immediate force to fight a 
two-front war--one in the Pacific theater and another one in Europe.
  Thousands of young men and women rushed into the military, and in 
response, our Nation built many new bases to accommodate the growing 
number of soldiers. In 1942, a small Army base was established near 
Rapid City, outside Box Elder, South Dakota. Its original purpose was 
to train the crews of the Boeing B 17 Flying Fortress. Later in the 
war, the base trained and deployed B 29 Superfortress crews, which were 
instrumental on the Eastern front.
  During World War II, the base was so successful that it was changed 
to permanent status. Yet, sadly, a tragedy struck. While returning from 
a training mission, an RB 36 Peacemaker aircraft crashed in 
Newfoundland. Later that year, President Eisenhower came to South 
Dakota and dedicated the base, renaming it after Brigadier General 
Richard Ellsworth, who perished in the crash. Ever since then, the base 
has kept the name Ellsworth Air Force Base.
  Ellsworth continued to prove itself as an enduring asset during the 
Cold War. In fact, during the first major international event of the 
Cold War, B 29 bombers from Ellsworth were sent to help in the Berlin 
Airlift, and as the Cold War progressed, so did the capabilities of 
Ellsworth. The aircraft at Ellsworth were used as an intimidating 
deterrent to our potential enemies. The base also became a hub of 
missile activity, transporting and storing Titan and Minuteman 
missiles. Without a doubt, Ellsworth was a crucial player in keeping 
peace during a very uneasy time in our Nation's history.
  Today, Ellsworth is the home of the 28th Bomb Wing with the B 1 
Lancer, which is a shining example of resourcefulness. The aircraft was 
originally designed for low altitude nuclear payloads, but as the Cold 
War ended and as the demand for nuclear capability aircraft declined, 
the Air Force modified the aircraft for long-range conventional bombing 
runs. It has been described as the workhorse of operations in 
Afghanistan. Most recently, B 1s from Ellsworth Air Force Base were 
used in Operation Odyssey Dawn in Libya. The B 1 has truly become the 
backbone of our long-range bombing force. In fact, earlier this year, 
the B 1 completed its 10,000th combat mission. It is an impressive 
milestone for any piece of weaponry.
  More recently, the Air Force selected Ellsworth to be the home of the 
unmanned MQ 9 Reapers. It is one of only two bases on the ground that 
has the control capabilities of these high-tech aircraft. It is a 
testament to the ongoing relevance of Ellsworth as a part of our 
national defense strategy.
  Ellsworth has also become an integral part of South Dakota's economy. 
In 2010, the base estimated that it supports over 1,500 jobs in western 
South Dakota, and that's not including the thousands of active airmen 
and -women. It is also home to the Air Force Financial Services Center. 
It is, without a doubt, an economic engine that keeps South Dakota 
thriving and vibrant.
  When I reflect on what makes Ellsworth Air Force Base so significant, 
I think beyond the impressive aircraft and the historical and economic 
significance that the base has to South Dakota. Instead, I think about 
the individual airmen, and I believe that the true strength of our 
Armed Forces lies with them. It doesn't come from the equipment that 
they use or from the aircraft that they fly. It is their courage, their 
resilience, and the bravery of these fine men and women. As great as 
the B 17s, the B 29s, the B 1s, and the MQ 9 unmanned Reapers are, 
nothing can compare to the everyday American servicemember.
  That's why I want to make sure, as we commemorate the 70th 
anniversary of Ellsworth Air Force Base, we don't focus only on the 
national importance the base has played or on the economic impact it 
has had in South Dakota. Instead, we focus on the individual airmen and 
on the sacrifices that they make every single day. It is the airman who 
leaves his family, who protects our country day in and day out and who 
responds to the call of duty. Each airman plays one small part in a 
larger operation. Whether they are pilots, navigators, engineers, 
munitions personnel, or air traffic controllers, each one plays an 
important role.
  I thank all of the airmen and -women who came to Ellsworth and who 
did their duty to the best of their ability. They've done so for 70 
years and have done an incredible job.
  I would also like to commend the families of the airmen, past and 
present. I have heard from many of the military personnel and their 
families, and I am always inspired by their selfless commitment to our 
country. Every family member of our servicemen and -women make 
sacrifices. God bless them for staying strong and for providing a 
strong support system for our servicemembers who are stationed at 
Ellsworth and at bases across the country.
  Again, thank you, Madam Speaker, for allowing me to show my deep 
respect and appreciation for everyone at Ellsworth for its 70 years of 
outstanding service to our country. May God bless all who serve at 
Ellsworth.

                          ____________________