[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 57 (Thursday, April 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               75TH ANNIVERSARY OF MacDILL AIR FORCE BASE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 14, 2016

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
75th anniversary of MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa Bay. With much of 
the world engulfed in conflict in 1939, the War Department selected 
Tampa to house a new military air field which would go on to become 
MacDill Air Force Base. With Tampa's natural and strategic location, 
MacDill has grown and expanded over its 75 years serving as a testament 
to our nation's military might and Tampa's dedication to supporting the 
brave men and women of the Armed Services.
  Officially activated on April 16, 1941, MacDill trained World War II 
airmen to fly and operate bombers including the B-17 Flying Fortress 
and the B-26 Marauder. Throughout the Second World War, MacDill saw 
thousands of servicemen train to lead the force in the dangerous skies 
over Europe. From start to finish, MacDill played a critical role in 
our country's great military achievement.
  After World War II, the bombers gave way to fighters when MacDill 
became a Tactical Air Command. The turmoil in the 1960s again 
highlighted the strategic importance of MacDill's location. Throughout 
the Vietnam War and up until the first Gulf War in 1991, Tampa became a 
home for the F-4 Phantoms and later F-16 Fighting Falcons. Between 1979 
and 1993, about half of all F-16 fighter pilots trained at MacDill Air 
Force Base.
  Currently, MacDill houses the 6th Air Mobility Wing and 39 Mission 
Teammates, including U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations 
Command. MacDill is home to more than 13,000 military and civilian 
personnel and about 170,000 retirees live in the Tampa area and depend 
on the base for many necessary services. MacDill remains a vital 
economic driver and a source of good paying jobs for Tampa Bay 
residents. MacDill extends the global reach of U.S. air power through 
global air refueling and airlift operations and is a mission our 
community embraces.
  In facing our nation's ongoing and future national security 
challenges, I am confident that MacDill will continue to play a vital 
role in protecting the safety of our families and all Americans. Tampa 
is proud to host and I am honored to represent MacDill Air Force Base 
every day and today on its 75 year anniversary.

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