[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.
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