[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 19 (Tuesday, February 2, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E92]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 60TH AIR MOBILITY WING

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                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 2, 2016

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th 
Anniversary of the activation of the 60th Air Mobility Wing at Travis 
Air Force Base, in the heart of California's 3rd Congressional 
District.
   On January 8, 1966, what is now The 60th Air Mobility Wing became 
the host unit at Travis Air Force Base, and its emergence as the 
principal military airlift hub in the western United States earned 
Travis the moniker of ``Gateway to the Pacific.''
   The wing is responsible for strategic airlift and air refueling 
missions around the world and controls more than $11 billion in total 
resources. It handles more cargo and passengers than any other military 
air terminal in the United States.
   The 60th Wing has been involved in some of our country's most 
recognizable military and humanitarian efforts in its 50 years of 
operation. It was a major participant in Operations Homecoming and 
Babylift, when Travis Air Force Base became the main intake facility 
for POW's and refugees coming from Vietnam. It flew 1,280 missions from 
Travis during Operation Desert Storm. Its planes and personnel provided 
much needed relief after earthquakes in Mexico City, Armenia, and 
Haiti. Most recently, the 60th Air Mobility Wing provided airlift and 
refueling operations in support of Operations Noble Eagle and Enduring 
Freedom--to support our ongoing global war on terror. These are just a 
few of the achievements that have earned the wing multiple Air Force 
Outstanding Unit Awards.
   Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate the 60th Air Mobility Wing 
on its 50th Anniversary, and I ask my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing the extraordinary dedication of the officer, enlisted, and 
civilian personnel who have served our nation. They have given Travis 
Air Force Base a renowned past, exciting present, and a very bright 
future.

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