[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 22, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H1502]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         NASCC 75TH ANNIVERSARY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Farenthold) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Naval Air 
Station at Corpus Christi as it celebrates its 75th anniversary this 
month.
  NASCC or, as it was once known, the University of Air, has been 
training pilots, navigators, aerologists, gunners, and radio operators 
since 1941.
  NASCC was founded in 1938 under the 75th Congress to train new pilots 
and technical crew to bolster our Nation's air forces. The air base 
serves the southeastern portion of the United States, from Texas to 
Florida, and trains naval aviators nationwide along with other pilots 
from our foreign allies.
  Today NASCC is not just a naval base. It includes tenant commands for 
the U.S. Army, Coast Guard, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
  The Corpus Christi Army depot rebuilds and updates rotary winged 
aircraft--helicopters--and is saving our country millions of dollars. 
The depot facility and other tenants make the base extremely cost 
effective for both the Army, Navy, and taxpayers.
  The Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Patrol 
operate a variety of aircraft from the base, including predator drones 
surveilling our border, which is great because we have a new generation 
of pilots interacting with UAVs getting their training at NASCC.
  NASCC's current commander officer is Captain Randolph F. Pierson, who 
joins a long line of leaders to serve in Corpus Christi.
  During World War II, it was said there wasn't a naval aviator who 
hadn't earned their wings at the air station. These World War II naval 
aviators were critical members of the U.S. military, giving the U.S. an 
edge in battles across the Pacific and over Europe with our superior 
air power.
  It was American air power, combined with U.S. naval power, that 
played a critical role in turning back the tide of Japanese at the 
Battle of Midway.
  It was American air power that dealt a decisive blow against the 
Japanese in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, winning one of the last 
largest air battles in history.
  After World War II, it was American air power that flew food supplies 
to the starving people of Berlin during the Berlin Airlift.
  This was all accomplished with graduates of the Corpus Christi 
University of Air, NASCC.
  Today the training program is approximately 18 months and, due to the 
increased complexity of modern aircraft, it just takes longer. Six 
hundred people per year are trained at the facility and go on to serve 
their country in the U.S. Navy and Marines as pilots, engineers, and 
technical crew.
  These folks learn skills through the program that propel them through 
a successful life in the military and a successful life in the private 
sector after their service ends.
  Some of the notable flyers who have earned their wings at NASCC 
include former President George H.W. Bush, who was in the third 
graduating class. He was commissioned just 3 days before his 19th 
birthday.
  Naval Air Station Corpus Christi graduates also include several 
Members of Congress, including fellow Texas Representative Pete Olson, 
Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina, and Senator John McCain of 
Arizona.
  Some NASCC grads are not content to remain in the blue skies of the 
Earth. Many astronauts who led the charge into space after getting 
their wings at NASCC include Neil Armstrong and John Glenn.
  Other notable graduates include game show host Bob Barker, actor 
Tyrone Power, Vice Admiral James Stockdale, and Medal of Honor winner 
Edward ``Butch'' O'Hare.
  The Navy's distinguished flying team, the Blue Angels, were 
headquartered in Corpus Christi until 1955. Today, CNATRA, the Chief of 
Naval Air Training, now Admiral Bull, based in NASCC, commands the Blue 
Angels.
  The people of the United States owe much to the graduates of NASCC. 
These heroes have fought for our country since the construction of the 
base in 1941.
  I believe it is important to not only honor the men and women in 
uniform who serve at bases like NASCC and those around the country, but 
also to honor their families and the civilian workers who make it all 
possible.
  Due to its importance to our country during World War II and over the 
years until today, it is my privilege to let you know about NASCC.
  After 75 years of operation, the Naval Air Station is still training 
pilots, still serving the country, and still being a symbol of pride to 
Texas and the entire Nation.

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