[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 175 (Tuesday, December 6, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1597-E1598]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO THE 187TH AIR NATIONAL GUARD FIGHTER WING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 6, 2016

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, Alabama is a state rich with 
tradition and legacies of excellence. Yet, one that stands out is the 
legacy of military excellence exhibited by the 187th Air National Guard 
Fighter Wing, located at Dannelly Field in Montgomery, Alabama.
   The 187th Air National Guard Fighter Wing has an unparalleled legacy 
of excellence worthy of praise and worth protecting for the future. 
Currently, the guard unit is a prime candidate to fly the new F-35A 
Lightning II fighter jets, known as the Joint Strike Fighter. The 187th 
currently flies the oldest F-16s in the U.S. Air Force's inventory; 
however, it is among eighteen Air National Guard units competing for 
the coveted new aircraft.
   The Alabama delegation in Congress is unanimous and steadfast in our 
support of the 187th Air National Guard Fighter Wing winning this new 
assignment. Nothing helps us make the case more than the long history 
of outstanding military service that has been the proud legacy of the 
187th.
   The 187th Fighter Wing has a proven combat track record and an 
unparalleled military heritage. It is home to the 100th Fighter 
Squadron--the famed ``Red Tails.'' This squadron's lineage traces back 
to World War II and the renowned Tuskegee Airmen, America's first black 
military pilots and support personnel.
   The 187th benefits from being a key strategic resource--only five 
miles from Maxwell Air Force Base, and twenty-five minutes flying time 
from Eglin, Tyndall, Hurlburt, and Moody Air Force Bases. This presents 
numerous opportunities for joint air-to-air and air-to-ground training. 
F-35 pilots of the 187th may also utilize the electronic ranges on 
Eglin AFB. This is all contingent, however, on the unit being outfitted 
with the new fighter jets. During my tenure in office, I have been and 
will continue to be a stalwart advocate for this vital national 
resource located in my district.
   As a Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, 
I have a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that 
confront our nation. I am also keenly aware that the world we live in 
is filled with potential threats that are constantly developing and 
changing. We have to remain ever vigilant and be prepared to not only 
confront ongoing threats but those emerging as well. A

[[Page E1598]]

major key to our success requires that we maintain air-superiority and 
provide effective air-cover for our men and women deployed in combat 
zones. This is the defining legacy of the 187th from World War II to 
today.
   Given its rich history and superior service to this nation, the 
187th Air National Guard Fighter Wing stands poised and well-equipped 
to bring the next generation of air power to the Alabama Air National 
Guard.

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