[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 132 (Tuesday, September 16, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S5620]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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       25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 160TH SOAR OF HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD

 Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the 3rd 
Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Airborne, of 
Hunter Army Airfield, marking their 25th anniversary of service in 
support of this Nation.
  Since 1989, the 160th SOAR has served in every major conflict and 
contingency operation supporting the special operations community and 
providing world-class special operations aviation support. Supporting 
Operation Just Cause in Panama, Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the 
Persian Gulf, and multiple operations in support of crisis management 
prepared them for their most challenging mission of all, the global war 
on terrorism.
  Over the last 13 years, their battalion of MH-47 Chinooks and MH-60 
Black Hawks have been continuously deployed in support of Operations 
Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn, and throughout the world 
on numerous unnamed and often unknown missions.
  In 2013, the unit flew over 8,000 flying hours in support of ongoing 
combat operations and training missions to support the special 
operations community and our allies, including over 4,300 under night 
vision.
  Through fiscal management and lean logistics, the battalion has 
continued to refine the processes enabling a leaner sustainment package 
while still maintaining effectiveness in every environment in which the 
battalion's aircraft operate.
  The 160th continues to be at the forefront of Army aviation and 
foreign internal defense aviation support to our allies.
  In tribute to its outstanding service during wartime, its important 
role in strengthening the security of this Nation, and its support to 
the special operations community, I am honored today to recognize the 
160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and its contributions to the 
United States of America.

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