[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 157 (Wednesday, November 6, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7874-S7875]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               COMMENDING THE GEORGIA AIR NATIONAL GUARD

 Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 
10th anniversary of the 165th Airlift Wing of the Georgia Air National 
Guard. Since 2003, the Georgia Air National Guard has played a vital 
role in fighting the war on terror, with over 80 percent of the wing's 
900 airmen serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring 
Freedom, and Operation New Dawn.
  I could not be prouder that these brave men and women call Georgia 
their home. They protected our Nation during a critical time, and in 
doing so set the standard for service in the Georgia Air National 
Guard. As a unit, they have flown more than 11,363 hours and 7,441 
combat sorties. They were the first C-130 unit to deploy and operate 
out of Iraq under the famous ``Red Tail'' designation of the 332nd Air 
Expeditionary Wing, and they were also the only squadron in the U.S. 
Central Command area of responsibility tasked at 100 percent. The wing 
crew supported the rescue mission of SEAL Team 10 and 3rd Battalion of 
the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment when they lost three 
members of their team, and their heroic actions became the subject of 
Marcus Luttrell's book, Lone Survivor.
  It is only fitting we commend these courageous individuals of the 
165th Airlift Wing of the Georgia Air National

[[Page S7875]]

Guard for their outstanding service and sacrifice. Their determination 
to protect our fellow Americans and defend our freedom should be an 
example to us all.
 Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I wish to honor in the Record the 
165th Airlift Wing of the Georgia Air National Guard for 10 years of 
exemplary service on behalf of the United States.
  During the wing's decorated career, it served in Operation Iraqi 
Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn with the 
majority of the unit's 900 airmen having been deployed in support of 
these major war operations.
  Over the past decade, the unit has flown over 11,363 hours and 7,441 
combat sorties, and in 2004, the wing was the first C-130 unit to 
deploy and operate out of Iraq and fly under the distinguished ``Red 
Tail'' designation 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing.
  A unit of precision and valor, the wing crew supported the rescue 
mission of SEAL Team 10 and 3rd Battalion of the 160th Special 
Operations Aviation Regiment. During the mission, 16 U.S. 
servicemembers were tragically killed in action, including three from 
the wing after a MH-47D Chinook was shot down during a reaction force 
task in support of the U.S. Navy SEALS. Acting swiftly and heroically, 
the wing was the first C-130 aircraft to respond. The courageous 
response from the unit was later celebrated in Marcus Luttrell's book, 
Lone Survivor.
  The 165th Airlift Wing of the Georgia Air National Guard has set a 
standard of military excellence, and its decade of service during the 
War on Terror has demonstrated remarkable strength and diligence.
  It is with great pleasure that I recognize the altruism and bravery 
showed by the 165th Airlift Wing of the Georgia Air National Guard and 
thank the unit for its courageousness and dedication toward protecting 
the freedom of our country.

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