[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 161 (Wednesday, November 13, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1643]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 908TH AIRLIFT WING

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 13, 2013

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, today Mrs. Roby and I ask for the 
House's attention to honor the 908th Airlift Wing, an Air Force Reserve 
Command wing located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama.
  What is now known as the 908th Airlift Wing began as the 908th Troop 
Carrier Group at Bates Field, Mobile, Alabama on February 11, 1963. Six 
years later, the 908th moved to Maxwell Air Force Base, where it 
remains today.
  The mission of the 908th Airlift Wing is to recruit, organize and 
train Air Force reservists to provide unrivaled theater airlift and 
flexible combat support across the spectrum of military operations.
  During its 50 years, the 908th has followed its mission with a 
dedication to excellence. Its members have served in operations and 
humanitarian relief efforts at home and abroad. The 908th has an 
impeccable safety record with over 150,000 hours logged over 47 years 
without a Class A or B mishap. Since 2003 the men and women of the 
908th have logged over 10,500 combat flight hours in overseas missions.
  During their 50 years, the 908th has been awarded some of the US Air 
Force's highest honors. The men and women of the 908th are seven time 
winners of the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. They finished FY 2013 
with a 90.4 percent aircraft mission capable rate, among the highest 
ever recorded for a C-130 unit. They were also named the 2012 Small 
Command Post of the Year for two commands, AFRC and AETC. Their 2012 
virtual inspection was the best the Inspector General had seen to date. 
In 2012, they had 78 Programs rated excellent and 8 Superior 
performers, which was more than any other wing.
  The 908th will celebrate its 50th anniversary on December 7th with a 
celebration in Montgomery. The 908th has been widely recognized as an 
elite unit, one in which its members consider it a privilege to serve. 
It is an honor to join the state of Alabama in congratulating the 908th 
Airlift Wing on 50 years of excellence.

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