[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 136 (Tuesday, August 15, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1131]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 377TH AIR BASE WING, AIR FORCE GLOBAL STRIKE COMMAND, 
                        KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 15, 2017

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 
to congratulate the 377th Air Base Wing, Air Force Global Strike 
Command, Kirtland Airforce Base, for earning the 2016 Air Force 
Outstanding Unit Award. The award recognizes the exceptional service of 
the 377th Air Base Wing from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2016.
  The 377th Air Base Wing accomplished a number of achievements during 
2016. The air base wing provided comprehensive combat preparedness and 
superior installation support to 22,000 airmen and more than 110 
mission partners. The airmen executed 71 ground missions, moving 765 
assets and ensuring global strategic deterrence.
  The air base wing made progress to mitigate a 40-year-old 
environmental calamity by installing the first extraction well in 
December of 2016. The temporary treatment system was implemented in 
June 2016 and treated 17 million gallons of contaminated water, removed 
nearly seven grams of ethylene dibromide (EDB), and protected 36.7 
million gallons of water. The permanent treatment system has treated 
235.5 million gallons of water and removed 69.1 grams EDB as of July 
31, 2017.
  The air base wing also developed a 25-year strategic roadmap that 
included $110 million in upgrades to the Kirtland Underground Munitions 
Maintenance and Storage Complex that houses the Department of Defense's 
largest stockpile of Protection Level One assets.
  In addition, the air base wing expanded its tribal relations program. 
Air base leaders worked in collaboration with state Native American 
tribes to create a Memorandum of Understanding which protects tribal 
cultures by allowing tribes to request that the military air crews 
avoid low-level flights above sacred areas or religious events.
  The air base wing was active in assisting local fire departments 
fight the Dog Head Fire that burned 17,000 acres of land and threatened 
four communities. With Kirtland Air Force Base's help, they saved 
approximately 37,000 homes.
  Last, in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Kirtland Air Force 
Base, the air base wing hosted an air show for the first time in five 
years to commemorate the occasion. The air show was hosted in 
coordination with more than 20 organizations, 1,200 volunteers, and 
more than 50,000 spectators in the audience. Additionally, service 
members visited elementary schools to discuss the air base wing's 
history and the military's commitment to the country and local 
surrounding community of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
  Those are only a few of the achievements that prove the excellence of 
the 377th Air Base Wing. I am confident that the achievements of the 
377th Air Base Wing will be a lasting positive impact in our community.

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